Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British dating comedy has sex, language but lacks chemistry.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Guide to Second Date Sex
What's the Story?
In A GUIDE TO SECOND DATE SEX, Laura (Alexandra Roach) and Ryan (George MacKay) meet in a club and experience an alcohol-fueled spark. They arrange a second date, but between baggage from previous relationships and terrible advice from friends, they are both unbearably nervous and unable to be themselves. An awkward evening unravels, in which housemates disrupt the flow, an unexpected visitor causes an explosive row, and Laura walks out more than once. Can they drop the pretense and open up to each other honestly or is this second date destined to be their last?
Is It Any Good?
Written by Rachel Hirons and her debut feature film as director, this moive has a strong premise at a time when realistic dating scenarios and flawed characters are popular tropes. Unfortunately it suffers in comparison to its more cleverly-crafted peers -- see Fleabag and Sex Education. Roach and MacKay embody relatable characters, but struggle to maintain momentum in what is essentially a two-hander without much support.
The pacing of A Guide to Second Date Sex is very uneven. The beginning is intercut with the high energy of the drunken first "date," while the middle is slow and drawn-out. The result is a dramatic climax that fails to hit the spot. Perhaps the material -- adapted from Hirons' stage play -- may have been better suited to a 30-minute episode than a full feature film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how A Guide to Second Date Sex portrays sex. How do Laura and Ryan approach it? Is it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Talk about the strong language in the movie. Does it seem necessary or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie?
How does the movie present drinking? Do you think the characters drink too much? Does their behavior seem realistic/believable? Are there consequences for what they do?
Both Laura and Ryan adapt their behavior for the date. Why do they feel they need to do so? Discuss the idea of being true to yourself and why that's important.
How do Laura and Ryan change during the movie and what do they learn?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 1, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : January 21, 2020
- Cast : Alexandra Roach , George MacKay , Emma Rigby
- Director : Rachel Hirons
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Front Row Filmed Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 3, 2022
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