Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Oversexed coming-of-age film has language, substance use.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sharp Stick
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SHARP STICK tells the story of Sarah Jo (Kristine Froseth), the mousy sister of outgoing Instagram celebrity Treina (Taylour Paige). Sarah Jo learns about sexuality and attraction as she embarks on a relationship with Josh (Jon Bernthal), the husband of her employer, Heather (Lena Dunham, who also wrote and directed the film). As their relationship progresses and fizzles, Sarah Jo is determined to understand more about where she fits in with sex, relationships, and personal discovery.
Is It Any Good?
A young woman striking out to learn more about herself and her sexuality is the core of a good story, but if you're easily put off by explicit sexual content, then it's not for you. And even if you're OK with the more graphic scenes, Sharp Stick disappoints by defining its Black characters solely through sexuality. Given Dunham's iffy history with how she portrayed (or didn't portray) Black people on Girls, it's clear that she's trying to make up for it here -- but she still falls short.
Dunham's hard-core fans will enjoy watching Sharp Stick to see her eccentricities coming through in the script. And the actors, including Froseth, give strong performances. It's just a lot to ask of some audience members to sit through a ton of sex that has little artfulness or beauty involved.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Sarah Jo's personal growth. How does she mature during the film? Would you consider this a coming-of-age story?
How is sex portrayed here? How does it factor into Sarah Jo's life and personal discovery? Parents, talk to your teens about your values regarding sex and relationships.
Did you notice any positive diverse representation in the film? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 29, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : August 16, 2022
- Cast : Kristine Froseth , Lena Dunham , Taylour Paige , Jon Bernthal , Jennifer Jason Leigh
- Director : Lena Dunham
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Utopia Films
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong sexual content, some nudity, language throughout and drug use
- Last updated : August 8, 2022
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