Olivia Wilde has said that Gen Z audiences are turning away from unrealistic sex scenes in film and television, instead seeking genuine portrayals of intimacy. Speaking at the Sundance premiere of her new film 'I Want Your Sex', the actress and director referenced a UCLA study which found that nearly half of Gen Z (48.4%) believe there is too much sexual content in media.
Wilde argued that this statistic reflects a desire for authenticity rather than a rejection of sex itself. 'The way that sex has been portrayed in film for a long time hasn’t been particularly realistic,' she said. 'Therefore, there’s been this movement now towards authenticity, which is really good.' She added that young audiences 'don’t want to see inauthenticity anymore' and want stories that feel genuine.
The film, which Wilde directs and co-stars in, follows a contemporary artist who corrupts her young assistant, becoming his sexual dominatrix. Wilde described it as 'an incredibly irreverent, playful take on showing this part of the sexual revolution of a young person.' Co-star Mason Gooding echoed her sentiments, noting that sex scenes in the past were often portrayed as 'hot and heavy' climaxes, whereas real life involves 'awkward relatability and tension.'
To ensure a safe and creative environment, the production employed intimacy coordinator Yehuda Duenyas, whose previous work includes HBO's 'Westworld' and Zack Snyder's 'Rebel Moon'. Duenyas explained that a strong structure allows actors to 'go so much further in their roles' without worrying about technical details. Wilde praised the collaboration, saying, 'You can feel when everybody on set has felt really safe and really relaxed... There’s a way to do it where the whole thing can feel like a dance.'
Chase Sui Wonders, another cast member, expressed hope that the film would provide 'exposure therapy to Gen Z about sexual experience' and inspire them to explore their own relationships. 'I Want Your Sex' marks Gregg Araki's first film with an intimacy coordinator, reflecting a broader industry shift towards prioritising actor safety and authenticity in intimate scenes.
