In the last decade, cinema, and especially the documentary genre, has deeply explored themes of intimacy, sexuality, and love through diverse and fascinating lenses. These films offer a glimpse into the complex emotions we all experience in relationships and provide new insights into how we approach these topics in our personal lives. Below are ten recommended films from the last two decades, featuring a mix of narrative dramas and documentaries that dive into intimate and romantic themes.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
This romantic drama tells the story of Elio, a young boy spending his summer with his family in Italy, and the blossoming romance with Oliver, a young scholar visiting Elio’s family. The film focuses on first love, awakening sexuality, and the emotional complexities of love during adolescence.
Why watch?
The film sensitively portrays the tension between first love and desire, alongside the complexity of self-discovery. It is an emotional film that raises questions about sexuality and identity.
The Sessions (2012)
This film is based on the true story of Mark O’Brien, a paralyzed man who hires a sexual surrogate to experience physical intimacy for the first time. The film deals with the boundaries between sexuality, therapy, and emotional intimacy.
Why watch?
It’s a touching film that uniquely presents how intimacy and sexuality can occur even in physically challenging situations, raising deep questions about access to sexuality for people with disabilities.
Amour (2012)
This French film follows an elderly couple coping with the physical and mental decline following the wife’s stroke. The film explores the deep levels of love, care, and sacrifice in long-term relationships.
Why watch?
The film powerfully portrays the strength and vulnerability of love in its later stages and delves into questions of loyalty, devotion, and loss.
Sex, Love & Goop (2021) – Documentary Series
This Netflix series, hosted by Gwyneth Paltrow, deals with sexuality and intimacy in a practical way. The series follows several couples using alternative therapy techniques to improve their sex lives and intimacy.
Why watch?
The series offers practical insights and tools for couples looking to enhance their physical and emotional connection. It blends science, therapy, and personal exploration.
Monogamish (2017) – Documentary
This film, directed by Karim Shamsi-Basha, explores the concept of monogamy through different perspectives and offers an analysis of open relationships, polyamory, and new approaches to love. The film questions whether monogamy is truly the best way for long-term relationships.
Why watch?
This film opens up a deep discussion about the societal norms surrounding love and relationships, offering new and thought-provoking angles.
Liberated: The New Sexual Revolution (2017) – Documentary
This Netflix film examines the impact of modern sexual culture on young people. The film follows groups of young adults during spring break in the U.S., raising questions about social norms, sexual pressures, and self-image.
Why watch?
This film reveals the complex reality of sexuality among the younger generation and sparks an important discussion on issues like consent, body image, and the fine line between sexual freedom and societal pressure.
Touch Me Not (2018)
Winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, this film presents an intimate and provocative view of sexuality and intimacy, blending fictional and real-life characters. The film explores the intimate needs of emotionally and physically vulnerable characters.
Why watch?
It’s a unique film that raises questions about touch, sexuality, and personal boundaries. It challenges traditional boundaries of sexuality films and offers an artistic and thought-provoking perspective.
Hot Girls Wanted (2015) – Documentary
This film focuses on young women entering the American pornography industry and examines the complexities of sexual imagery, power, and self-control within this industry. The film raises questions about intimacy, respect, and exploitation.
Why watch?
This important documentary presents the tension between sexual freedom and exploitation, delving into the impact of the porn industry on modern sexuality.
Her (2013)
This sci-fi film explores an unconventional love story between a man (Theodore) and an artificial intelligence operating system (Samantha). The film deals with the emotional connection people can develop with technology and examines the future of emotional relationships.
Why watch?
The film raises a fascinating question about intimacy in the technological age and whether love can exist outside human boundaries.
The Lovers and the Despot (2016) – Documentary
This dramatic documentary tells the story of a film director and actress who were kidnapped by Kim Jong-Il from North Korea in the 1970s, forced to create romantic and propagandistic films for the state. Beyond the political drama, the film focuses on the personal intimacy that builds between the two during the events.
Why watch?
The film offers a unique perspective on relationships and intimacy under unusual circumstances, prompting thought about how love survives within extreme political realities.
Conclusion: Blending Intimacy, Sexuality, and Love in Cinema
The films listed here, whether narrative or documentary, provide a deep and sensitive look into complex areas of intimacy, sexuality, and love. Through different lenses, they invite us to reflect on our personal relationships, explore emotional and physical themes, and question how we navigate intimate experiences in our ever-changing world.
Looking to deepen your understanding of intimacy and sexuality? These recommended films are a great way to explore new worlds of experience and emotion, or consider professional advice in the field for further insights.
