“I Want Your Sex” follows Elliot, whose sexually charged relationship with renowned artist and provocateur Erika Tracy makes him question his own desires, boundaries and relationships.
Following an interesting narrative structure, “I Want Your Sex” spells out where it’s heading almost immediately. It gives viewers a glimpse, then travels back in time, then shifts even further into the future before starting the story from the beginning. It establishes all of this within the opening five minutes alone. The strange structure never stops, even incorporating fast-forward effects that mimic watching a recording on television. Co-writer-director Gregg Araki and Victor Parra’s editing proves to be core to the movie’s identity as Elliot recounts his experiences through flashbacks.
All the while, Araki and Karley Sciortino’s screenplay further establishes that this is told from Elliot’s point of view. They do so by bringing animation and imagination into reality, capturing his inner feelings as artwork comes to life or clothed body parts become fully revealed. “I Want Your Sex” lives up to its in-your-face title with Tucker Korte’s stylized cinematography, emphasizing the hyper-sexualized world that these characters live in. Though, as the 90-minute runtime progresses, these added quirks dwindle away.
Similar to “Babygirl,” the film analyzes power dynamics within a workplace. It’s not in a corporate landscape, but rather an already provocative art world. On top of this, it’s the boss taking advantage of their subordinate — not the other way around. “I Want Your Sex” approaches this through comedy. It’s consistently funny, while also being wildly uncomfortable, often at the same time.
Among these scenarios is a modern examination of sexuality and intimacy as a whole. What does it mean to be intimate with someone? Can sex just be sex? Contrasting pure connection and wild experimentation, it’s able to condemn Erika’s clear exploitation while also advocating for sex-positivity.
“I think my peers have not been well served, growing up in a time where nothing feels safe or OK. And since our formative years were spent lacking in-person socialization, it’s challenging for some to make eye contact, let alone have sex.”
Olivia Wilde (Erika Tracy) is at the center of this, continuing to impress in 2026. She first directed and starred in “The Invite,” now delivering a twisted performance in “I Want Your Sex.” As is required in this role, she sells sex. It’s the foundation of her character, being constantly flamboyant and seductive while also manipulative and Machiavellian. Cooper Hoffman (Elliot) is equally impressive. If you’ve only seen him in “The Long Walk,” you’ll likely be shocked at this wildly different performance. While Wilde’s character remains largely one-note, Hoffman is required to convey a mixture of euphoria, awkwardness and deep hurt. He wraps all of these feelings into Elliot, making his journey feel largely believable no matter how absurd it grows.
Also appearing are Mason Gooding (Zap), Charli xcx (Minerva), Chase Sui Wonders (Apple), Daveed Diggs (Vikktor), Johnny Knoxville (Detective Zem) and Margaret Cho (Detective Zola). It’s a different role for Gooding as well, who has typically played the “charming tough guy” in “Heart Eyes” and the “Scream franchise.” Here, he is the “gay best friend.”
The final act dramatically shifts. Just as it seems like the plot is getting “juicy,” the film comes to an end. It may have benefited from 5-10 extra minutes, but Araki keeps things sharp while still getting his point across: have more sex.
“I Want Your Sex” wants you to have sex. In a modern world where fear often overtakes vulnerability, the film encourages viewers to say yes to the mess.
Rating: 4 out of 5
