Sharp Stick

Dunham has an uneven track record around representation. So the fact that the cast does have racial diversity (including Janicza Bravo, director of Zola, and Taylour Paige) is a plus. But Dunham's iffy lens on Blackness is still present in the sexualization of Treina's body and dancing. In fact, the two prominent Black people in Sarah Jo's life -- her sister, Treina, and stranger-turned-lover Arvin -- are defined by their sexuality. Treina is an "Instagram vixen," and Arvin works in the porn industry (and, of course, becomes a sexual partner for Sarah Jo). In final scene of Arvin and Sarah Jo having sex, a pair of Black female hands starts caressing Sarah Jo's head -- intended as an artistic representation of Sarah Jo finding her personal sexual freedom. But this choice could be seen as perpetuating the idea that Black people are inherently sexual. Plus, Sarah Jo's journey of self-discovery is defined by men rather than her actual preferences, wants, and needs. That said, disability representation is positive here, with Sarah Jo taking care of kids who have Down syndrome and use a wheelchair, respectively.

One mention of/allusion to domestic violence.

Many explicit sex scenes with graphic nudity, some more gratuitous than others. Scenes with masturbation (including in which Sarah Jo might be masturbating at the kitchen table across from her sister and mother). Frequent use of sexual language and explicit lyrics from Khia's "My Neck My Back." A character's frequent consumption of yogurt seems intended to be seen as a suggestive act.

Extremely strong language: "f--k," "f---ing," "s--t," "bitch," "hell," a--hole." Sexual language including "d--k prison," "p---y," "t-tties," "cream pie," "bukkake," "anal," etc.

Characters drink, smoke pot, and snort cocaine. Mentions of Percocet and anesthesia (for its sedative "high" effects, even though it was used in a medical setting).