Dying for Sex, a provocative new television show available on Disney+ starting April 4, explores the complexities of female sexual appetite, menopause, and mortality. The series draws loosely from Miranda July’s semi-autobiographical novel, hailed as the first great menopause novel. Beyond that it provides a new lens on issues typically deemed too controversial to discuss. Emmy-award-winning actress Michelle Williams stars as Molly, a palliative care nurse. Her journey is both radical and rocking.
Dying for Sex explores themes of menopause and mortality in a meaningful way. It accomplishes this by interrogating female desire through the lens of Molly’s profession. At its core, the show is about an incredibly powerful friendship between Molly and Nikki. Nikki, a Venus Fly-trap of an actor, known for crazy, out-of-control sexual escapades. Molly, acclaimed and condemned for her intelligence, begins her digital sexual awakening. At the same time, the series addresses sensitive matters such as masturbation and premature ejaculation with seriousness and comedy alike.
The show’s creator, Liz Meriwether, uses her real life experiences as a starting point to write scenes that feel so true to life. Michelle Williams – one of the most talented, fearless and versatile actresses around. Andrew discusses how, although she has had a long career and played numerous different sexual situations, this role presented new challenges.
“I’ve done any and all number of sexual situations in my 30-year career,” – Michelle Williams
“But I’ve never masturbated on film before … and I was nervous.” – Michelle Williams
Williams brings Molly to life with profound emotional complexity. Her character is based on a woman who survived a horrible childhood abuse. This trauma makes her feel disconnected from her body, but Molly still finds ways to come into her own and pursue her pleasure.
“She was split off from herself because of the abuse she experienced when she was a child. She still grew up, but a part of herself is frozen in time at that age – she’s in amber.” – Michelle Williams
The show reclaims female sexuality from societal clichés by depicting intimacy and sexual desire that feels innovative, enlightening, inclusive, and liberating. It invites its audience to take a creative approach to sexuality in midlife, and beyond, through the lens of menopause, illness and immeasurable creativity.
“If you want to continue to explore sexually through menopause, you need to become creative. If you want to explore sexually through illness, you need to become creative.” – Esther Perel
Molly’s journey ultimately becomes touching, not just for the sexual exploration we witness her undertake but for the self-discovery and acceptance that journey entails. The series unpacks these deeper topics with ongoing humor and pathos. It takes the time to ensure that, within this type of story, the characters are treated with dignity and respect.
“It isn’t making fun of him, it isn’t ‘How lame, what a disappointment’, it’s thrilling and exhilarating, just to radically accept people as they are.” – Michelle Williams
The story of Dying for Sex doesn’t stop with sex, though, and that’s a huge part of what makes the project stunningly powerful. The show beautifully deals with tough topics. It shuns stereotypes and sensationalism, providing an unvarnished depiction of life’s nuances to its audience.
As Williams dives into the character of Molly, it’s clear this story is in the best of hands. Her ability to play vacillation between vulnerability and strength is integral to creating nuance in the character’s progression.
“It’s much easier to portray mutual desire than just the desire for oneself.” – Michelle Williams
The show’s exploration of taboo subjects is not limited to its narrative structure. It influences the actors’ performances. Williams’s candid admission about her nervousness in filming certain scenes underscores the show’s dedication to authenticity.
Dying for Sex on Disney+ looks to bring some serious heat and start important discussions. It’s a courageous exploration of the portrayal of female sexuality on screen. Sabrina’s journey mesmerizes audiences and invites them to explore their own understanding of desire, intimacy, and mortality. Through this story, it accomplishes the rare feat of entertaining while challenging viewers to think profoundly.