Sharp Stick

What’s it about?

Sarah Jo, a 26 year-old virgin, has an affair with Josh, a married man. She decides to learn more about sex after he dumps her, resulting in a number of sexual encounters and realisations about her own sexuality.

The facts

• Directed by Lena Dunham, creator of the series Girls
• English language
• Runtime: 92 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

Sex

This film contains extensive sexual references, sexual material, and a number of sex scenes. There are also lewd music lyrics and candid sexual discussions.

Sarah Jo makes a checklist of sexual terms to try. She speaks up when she doesn’t like something. There is emphasis on consent and asking for permission prior to attempting things during sex.

This film would likely shock and disturb younger teens and children who are unlikely to have had exposure to this type of material before.

Drug use

A handful of scenes show Sarah Jo taking drugs. These present casual drug use as fun and without consequence. This would likely have a normalising and promotional effect on younger viewers.

Offensive language

There are regular uses of “f**k” in casual conversation and as a substitute for the word “sex”.