I Want Your Sex Review: Bold, Messy, and Surprisingly Fun

Movie Review

I Want Your Sex

★ 7/10 Very Good

Director

Gregg Araki

Cast

Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Charli XCX, Daveed Diggs, Johnny Knoxville, Margaret Cho, Roxane Mesquida

Release Date

July 31, 2026

Verdict: A colorful, horny comedy-thriller that delivers laughs and strong performances, even if the story loses some steam toward the end. Worth a look if you enjoy unconventional indie fare.

Pros:

• Olivia Wilde’s magnetic and fearless lead turn
• Sharp chemistry and commitment from the main pair
• Bright, playful visual style that keeps things lively

Cons:

• Some uneven pacing in the second half
• The mix of comedy and thriller elements does not always land cleanly

I Want Your Sex 2026 Overview

Gregg Araki’s first feature in over a decade arrives with a loud title and an even louder attitude. I Want Your Sex opened in US theaters on July 31, 2026, after its Sundance premiere earlier in the year.

The film blends erotic comedy with thriller elements and a light satire of the contemporary art world and shifting attitudes toward sex. Olivia Wilde plays a provocative artist who hires a young, somewhat naïve assistant played by Cooper Hoffman.

Supporting turns from Charli XCX, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, and others round out a colorful ensemble. Early audience chatter on platforms like X and Letterboxd shows a divided but engaged response—many call it fun and refreshing, while others find parts of it uneven or not quite as bold as expected.

The story follows Elliot, a recent graduate who lands a job working for the famous and boundary-pushing artist Erika Tracy. What starts as a professional opportunity quickly turns personal when Erika draws him into a more intimate and experimental relationship.

As their dynamic intensifies, Elliot’s ordinary life begins to unravel, pulling in friends, his girlfriend, and eventually a mysterious situation that forces him to confront power, desire, and consequences. The film keeps the tone light and stylish rather than dark, mixing awkward humor with moments of tension without giving away the bigger turns.

On X and Letterboxd, viewers frequently praise Olivia Wilde’s performance, calling it one of her strongest and most committed roles. Many highlight her confident energy and willingness to go all-in. Cooper Hoffman also draws positive comments for his natural, slightly awkward charm that makes the character easy to root for.

The colorful production design, bright lighting, and playful approach to explicit material get frequent mentions as highlights. People who like Araki’s earlier work often say this feels like a welcome return to his cheeky, unapologetic style. Common complaints focus on the second half feeling rushed or less focused.

Some audience members felt the thriller elements and the comedy do not always blend smoothly, and a few found the commentary on younger generations a bit broad. Overall sentiment sits in the mixed-to-positive range—viewers who go in expecting a polished mainstream comedy may walk away underwhelmed, while those open to something messier and more personal tend to enjoy the ride.

This film will likely appeal most to fans of quirky indie comedies, people curious about bold takes on desire and power, and anyone who appreciates strong central performances.

Its short runtime helps, but the explicit content and oddball tone mean it is not for every crowd. Watching it in a theater adds to the experience because of the visual pop and shared reactions to the more outrageous moments. Streaming later remains a solid option if you prefer to watch something this personal at home.

Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.