In a television landscape where sex scenes often cater to the male gaze, Disney+'s new miniseries 'Dying for Sex' flips the script entirely. Based on the true story of Molly Kochan, who documented her sexual adventures after a terminal breast cancer diagnosis on a Wondery podcast, the show follows Molly (Michelle Williams) as she leaves her sexless marriage to explore her newfound horniness. The series, co-created by Kochan's best friend Nikki Boyer, challenges conventional portrayals of female desire and intimacy.
The narrative begins during couples counselling, where Molly's husband Steve (Jay Duplass) admits his lack of sexual interest since becoming her caregiver. Haunted by memories of her seven-year-old self and a past great sexual encounter, Molly decides to pursue pleasure. With support from her best friend Nikki (Jenny Slate), who takes over care duties, Molly embarks on a journey involving kink apps, BDSM parties, and a neighbour (Rob Delaney) who enjoys being kicked. The series focuses on Molly's internal experience, making sex scenes compelling only when she finds them so.
What sets 'Dying for Sex' apart is its emphasis on the friendship between Molly and Nikki. Their bond evolves as Molly borrows Nikki's confidence while Nikki adopts Molly's responsibility for managing treatment. The series expands the definition of soulmate beyond romantic partners, highlighting the depth of platonic love. It also tackles medical attitudes, with an older male doctor dismissing vaginal dryness as a 'mental issue', and explores Molly's childhood abuse and estrangement from her mother (Sissy Spacek).
While the show feels rushed at times, with episodes that could benefit from more runtime to fully explore Molly's life, the pell-mell pace mirrors her urgent need to experience everything before time runs out. 'Dying for Sex' is a feminist, revolutionary take on sex and mortality that leaves viewers longing for more.
