The film landscape offers us a variety of approaches to sexuality and desire, exemplified by two recent releases: ‘One Night Only,’ directed by Will Gluck, and ‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,’ directed by Jane Schoenbrun.
‘One Night Only’ and Its Approach to Sexuality
‘One Night Only’ presents an intriguing, yet controversial premise set in a dystopian future. It stars Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner as two individuals navigating a society where premarital sex is restricted to a single annual 12-hour period. This societal mandate is enforced through wrist-bound biosensors indicating marital status. The film brings to mind action-horror narratives but gravitates around its romantic comedy theme.
The premise offers potential to explore themes like governmental control over personal freedoms, specifically targeting women’s and queer people’s rights. However, the execution largely avoids engaging deeply with these politics, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The film’s humor often falls short, and the chemistry between the leads does not sufficiently ignite.
‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ and Its Exploration of Desire
In stark contrast, ‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ offers a visceral and introspective take on sexuality. Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, the film revisits slasher movie tropes with a focus on societal and personal judgments of sexual expression.
The film revolves around Kris, played by Hannah Einbinder, a queer indie filmmaker revisiting a horror franchise key to her sexual awakening. Her encounter with the original star, played by Gillian Anderson, leads to a journey of self-exploration and liberation. Schoenbrun’s film is notable for its examination of film theory, gender studies, and sociocultural critiques without becoming overly prescriptive.
Contrasting Tones and Implications
These films offer contrasting tones and implications. ‘One Night Only’ feels disconnected from modern sensibilities, offering a narrative that inadvertently supports retrograde social norms. Conversely, ‘Teenage Sex and Death’ embraces exploration, endorsing the complexity of sexual identity and its expression. They represent opposing responses to societal norms and control, showcasing how film can both challenge and reinforce existing power structures.
These diverse narratives highlight the ever-present tension in art between reinforcing traditional norms and challenging them, with both films arriving at a pertinent cultural moment.