How to Have Sex
NZ release: 13 July 2023
Sexual violence, drug use & offensive language Rated on: 13 July 2023
What’s it about?
How to Have Sex is a drama about three friends who go on holiday to Malia, Crete, at the end of high school. While there, they party non-stop and try not to worry about the future.
The facts
- Directed by Molly Manning Walker
- English language
- Runtime: 90 minutes
Why did it get this rating?
This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office.
Sexual violence
The film contains strong discussions and situations revolved around and about sex. One of the friends wants to lose her virginity and this is talked about.
There is a stage show where young men compete to see who is going to ‘get hard’ first. Women lick them and appear to give them oral sex over their shorts.
A female character is pressured into sex by a new male friend. Her consent is not enthusiastic, and we see the grim expression on her face. The sex scene is brief but in the aftermath we see her crying. Later he again has sex with her when she’s sleepy in bed. Again, the consent is not clear, we don’t see detail as it happens under sheets, but the scene is shocking and disturbing.
Drug use
The story shows young people binge drinking and inhaling nitrous oxide across multiple days. We see characters throw up, and hungover. Drinking is used to cure the hangovers. It shows alcohol and drug use as normal and a rite of passage, as a fun thing despite the downsides.
Offensive language
There is a lot of swearing throughout the film. “F*ck”, “sh*t”, “b*tch” and “b*stard” are used in casual conversation.
Helplines:
The sexual violence could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:
- Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
- Lifeline
- Safe to talk
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