Happy Autumn everyone!
I hate to break it to you, but summer is over. The leaves are falling and sex-ed is back in session.
I'm not a cruel teacher though, there’s no test on the first day back at school. In fact, how about we focus on those cosy autumn days when it's raining outside, blankets are on laps, and a good film or series is on the TV.
Here are a list of some of my favourite sexy movies and shows with some tantalising additions from Darling writers, Issy Weeks-Hankins, Lauren Gallagher, Amelia Gaughan, and Megáne Moki, thrown in too.
1. Secret Diary of a Call Girl (2006- 2010)
Where to watch: Netflix and ITVX
About: Doctor Who companion, star of I Hate Suzie and 2000s pop icon, Billie Piper, plays the lead in this ITV original series focusing on the life of London call girl, Belle.
Based on the memoirs of Belle de Jour, the alias of a scientist who wrote the best selling memoir, The Intimate Adventures of a London Call Girl, the series delves into the ups and downs of sex work.
Piper plays main character Belle, real name Hannah, absolutely perfectly throughout the series. Equal parts comedy and drama with frequent camera addresses and fourth wall breaks, if you like Fleabag but thought there’s not enough sex, then this is the show for you.
Trigger warnings: Sexual assault
2. Boogie Nights (1997)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
About: A fantastic ensemble cast consisting of legends like Julianne Moore, Heather Graham, Burt Reynolds, and Don Cheadle, shining a light on the porn boom of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.
This self aware drama combines physical comedy with the harsh reality of booze, drug-filled sex, and the rampant exploitation present in the adult entertainment industy of the time.
The plot follows porn director and scout, Jack Horner, as he stumbles upon “porns next big star,” Dirk Diggler. Drug scams gone wrong, the iconic NYE party, and Diggler's famous appendage all make this film a must watch.
Trigger warnings: Sexual assault, homophobia, drug use, self harm
3. Bridgerton (2019 - present)
Where to watch: Netflix
About: I mean, if you haven't watch Bridgerton by now, you need to come out of hibernation ASAP.
With each season focusing on a new couple of courting Regency era singletons, there is definitely no shortage of sexy storylines. Take your pick from romance traits such as fake dating, enemies to lovers or in the most recent season, friends to lovers.
Produced by TV legend Shonda Rhimes, the woman behind Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy to new a few, each season is jam packed with sexual tension and, eventually, tasteful and passionate intimate scenes. It's safe to say that nothing and nobody is prudish in this regency drama.
4. More The Merrier (2021)
Where to watch: Netflix
Darling writer, Issy Weeks-Hankins, says, "More The Merrier is my go to sexy film. Not only are the sex scenes amazing but it shows sex in all different forms for all different people.”
5. Ema (2019)
Where to watch: Mubi and Channel 4 on Demand
Darling writer, Lauren Gallagher, says, “When I think sexy, I think Pablo Larrain's, Ema.
Dangerous women who will go to any lengths to fulfill their desires, no matter who they hurt in the process. Orgies, heterosexual sex and sapphic sex all in beautiful, hypnotic lighting. Psychosexual drama at its best.”
6. Interview with a Vampire (2022)
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Darling writer, Amelia Gaughan, says it’s “sooo BAT summer (pun 100% intended).”
7. 365 Days (2020)
Where to watch: Netflix
Darling writer, Megáne Moki, says, "... 365 Days is a saucy passionate erotic thriller film.
Sales director Laura’s life changes like a whirlwind after taking a trip to Sicily, and then gets kidnapped by Mafia member Massimo. He keeps her captive for 365 days so that she can fall in love with him, which she does.
Their love becomes so passionate, so strong but yet so toxic.
There are so many barriers that trouble their relationship, such as rival parties targeting Massimo’s family, women, and lifestyle choices.
The reason I enjoyed this film was because, despite Laura being held captive, she still finds ways to control the narrative.
Massimo is portrayed as an extremely dominant, hence the characters masculine Italian name (that means ‘greatest’ or ‘biggest’). Yet his lover reminds him of how powerful her love is, it’s almost as if she keeps him in a trance. Both are trapped in this tumultuous love affair, but is it all worth it?"
Trigger warnings: violence and sexual assault
Thanks for reading this month’s edition of Sexplorations - and enjoy your hot, hot, hot movie binges as the weather gets colder
Written by AJ Craig
Edited by Emily Duff