Sex Education

MFC Review

At the beginning of 2019, Netflix took us by surprise with Sex Education, a new TV series about the rough path youngsters travel searching for their place in the world, trying to comprehend who they are, and, of course, it talks about sexual education.

The show introduces us to Otis, a shy adolescent played by Asa Butterfield (Ender’s Game, 2013) whose upbringing has been marked by his mother’s career, a sex therapist played by Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, 1993-2018; Hannibal, 2013-2015), leaving him kind of uneasy about his own social development, but with a great knowledge on sexual health. Soon, along with his friends Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) and Maeve (Emma Mackey), Otis will assume the task of listening and guiding his peers through the muddy waters of sexual relationships (for a little bit of money in return), while trying to overcome his own insecurities.

Each one of the 8 episodes that make up the first season presents new issues to solve, while the great variety of colorful character fills the classrooms and hallways of Moordale Secondary, the place where the story develops and that, according the series creator, Laurie Nunn, is supposed to pay homage to classic 80’s teen films, such as The Breakfast Club (1985) and Pretty in Pink (1986).

More than a story about teenagers’ sexual development, Sex Education is about personal growth. Through a great sense of humor, the show deals with topics and conversations that tend to be uncomfortable, giving us techniques and strategies to improve our communication skills and be more empathetic and respectful, traits that we can all improve and apply in our everyday life, regardless of our age.

After an incredibly successful first season, in February, it was announced that the TV show has been renewed for a second one, and we can’t wait to keep learning about Sex Education.