Shubhabrata Dutta
Since time immemorial, movies have incorporated sexual content. The amount has varied based on the kind of movie it is, and it has been up to the audience to decide to watch, not watch it, and/or whom to watch it with. Needless to say, adult movies provide us with a certain satisfaction. This satisfaction, though of a different kind for each of us, binds us together as the same species, one that is vulnerable to the pleasures of the flesh. In presenting a variety of content to its audience, Hulu has amassed an impressive collection of adult films that offer as much substance as stimulation.
18. Higher Learning (1995)
Directed by John Singleton, ‘Higher Learning’ offers a powerful depiction of 1990s college life, one that received critical acclaim. It follows three rare specimens: varsity athlete Malik Williams (Omar Epps), social outcast Remy (Michael Rapaport), and shy and naive Kristen Connor (Kristy Swanson) as they try to make do with their newfound independence at the fictional Columbus University. Addressing socio-economic, racial, and gender issues, ‘Higher Learning’ offers a generous take on its title and is ahead of its time. You can watch ‘Higher Learning’ here.
17. All of Us Strangers (2023)
‘All of Us Strangers’ is a charming fantasy romance drama directed by Andrew Haigh and starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal. Based on Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel ‘Strangers,’ the film explores the romance between Adam (Scott) and Harry (Mescal), who share the same tower block. While the two explore their passionate hookup, Adam meets his dead parents and shares with them all that he never could. Are his parents really interacting with him, or are they a figment of his imagination? Not to spoil things for you, all we can say is that ‘All of Us Strangers’ is a poignant tale of loss and the act of moving on. You can watch it here.
16. Three Ways (2022)
In a quest to seize control of her life, Stacey Johnson, navigating through her sexual awkwardness, decides to confront her past by canceling her ex. Seeking empowerment and facing her fears, she embarks on an unconventional journey with her new partner, orchestrating a threesome with a mysterious woman she’s never encountered before. As Stacey ventures into uncharted territory, the unpredictable dynamics of this daring encounter unfold, leaving room for unforeseen complications. This comedic exploration of self-discovery promises unexpected twists and turns as Stacey attempts to navigate the complexities of modern relationships with humor and a touch of unpredictability. You can watch it here.
15. The Worst Person in the World (2021)
This film showcases the thrill as well as the uncertainty that comes with being an adult. Julie (Renate Reinsve) goes from her late 20s to her 30s and gains the right to make her own life decisions. While this brings its own freedom, it brings a lot of negative feelings as she is exposed to the various harsh truths of life that range from those inside the four walls of her home to those outside. Feelings, desires, misunderstandings, decisions, truths, lies, dreams, reality, and more: Julie is exposed to all these as she sets off a journey to find her true self. As inexplicable as it sounds, ‘The Worst Person in the World’ is as real as it can get to portraying life on screen. Directed by Joachim Trier, the film can be watched right here.
14. Sex Appeal (2022)
‘Sex Appeal,’ Talia Osteen’s debut feature-length, fearlessly dives into the world of adult sex comedy and NSFW shenanigans. With a stellar cast that includes Mika Abdalla, Jake Short, Margaret Cho, Paris Jackson, and Fortune Feimster, the film unapologetically explores the complexities of desire and relationships. Avery Hansen-White, played by Abdalla, is a perfectionist who decides to master the art of intimacy when her long-distance relationship escalates at an upcoming STEM conference. In her pursuit, she discovers that love defies scientific calculations, leading to a hilarious and heartwarming journey of self-discovery. ‘Sex Appeal’ confronts the challenges of adult desires and connections in a refreshingly comedic and mature way. You can watch the movie here.
13. Fire Island (2022)
‘Fire Island,’ a lively romantic comedy, finds its essence in the creative direction of Andrew Ahn and the charismatic presence of writer and actor Joel Kim Booster. The film boasts a stellar ensemble featuring the likes of Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, and Margaret Cho. Drawing inspiration from the classic ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen, this adaptation takes a refreshing twist, transporting the story to a picturesque Atlantic Ocean island. Instead of five English countryside sisters, we have five fabulous gay friends, often flaunting their beach-ready physiques. Their journey unfolds as they embark on a vacation to Fire Island, where the idyllic setting becomes a backdrop for an exploration of classism and romance, all with a delightful and contemporary spin. ‘Fire Island’ is available to stream here.
12. Private Property (2022)
Directed by Chadd Harbold, ‘Private Property’ explores the illicit affair between a struggling actress/distanced housewife, Kathryn, and her gardener, Ben. Over the course of three days, their interaction turns into flirtations as both are attracted to each other. However, there is something sinister underneath all that mystery and smoothness of Ben. The cast of ‘Private Property’ includes Ashley Benson, Shiloh Fernandez, Logan Miller, and Frank Whaley. You can watch ‘Private Property’ here.
11. Into the Deep (2022)
‘Into the Deep,’ helmed by director Kate Cox, boldly explores the dark underbelly of human desire. This gripping crime drama and horror fusion showcases the harrowing journey of a young woman yearning for a respite from her mundane life, plunging headfirst into a world of seduction and treachery. As she crosses paths with a charismatic enigma, promises of a romantic escapade soon unravel into a chilling web of deception, paranoia, and brutality. Ella-Rae Smith and Jessica Alexander’s powerful performances add a compelling intensity to this unflinching exploration of adult themes, making ‘Into the Deep’ a daring and thought-provoking cinematic experience for mature audiences. You may watch it here.
10. Titane (2021)
A body horror psychological flick accentuated by sex and crime, ‘Titane’ is directed by Julia Ducournau. It follows a young girl named Alexia whose skull is implanted with a medical-grade titanium alloy due to a car crash. She has a fetish for automobiles and is a serial killer. The film explores her relationship with a firefighter, Vincent, after she changes her appearance to look like his son, Adrien, who has been missing for ten years. A mind-bending movie with its fill of bizarre sex scenes that are nothing short of appalling and disturbing, ‘Titane’ touches on themes of eroticism, identity, and family in a whole new way. You can watch the movie here.
9. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022)
‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande‘ follows retired schoolteacher Nancy Stokes, who lost her husband two years earlier. After checking into a hotel, Nancy pays for the services of a young sex worker, Leo Grande, and tells him that she has never experienced an orgasm in her life. Initially, the retired schoolteacher feels pretty shameful about hiring a young sex worker, but once Leo manages to comfort her, she begins sharing stories of her sexual experiences from the past. However, as Nancy books more sessions with Leo in order to complete her “sexual bucket list,” the line between the client and customer blurs until they end up affecting each other’s lives. You can be a part of Nancy’s experience here.
8. True Things (2021)
‘True Things,’ directed by Harry Wootliff, shows a desperate woman, Kate, who is blindly walking through the streets of life. This is when a chance sexual encounter with a mysterious ex-con, Blond, opens her eyes, and she begins to fantasize. Prepared to escape with him, she loses herself in what seems to be a perilous romance whose flames are sure to consume her. The cast of the film includes Ruth Wilson, Tom Burke, Tom Weston-Jones, and Hayley Squires. You can watch it here.
7. Deep Water (2022)
‘Deep Water’ is directed by Adrian Lyne and stars Affleck and Ana de Armas. An erotic thriller underscored by motivated infidelity, the film follows Vic (Affleck) and Melinda (de Armas), a married couple with a child, who have an arrangement. To avoid divorce for the sake of their daughter, Melinda can sleep with others. As uncomfortable as it is for Vic, who is brewing jealousy, things take a dark turn when one of Melinda’s lovers is killed, and Vic becomes the prime suspect. He had already threatened a guy by telling him how he killed a third guy with a hammer. Strangely, the corpse of that guy was found, and it was revealed that he was shot to death and not hammered. Confusing? Based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1957 novel, ‘Deep Water’ is full of lust and deceit subtly underscored by human psychology. You can watch it here.
6. Sanctuary (2022)
Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott take on the roles of the dominatrix and her client in the raunchy sex comedy that is part physical and part psychological. Helmed by Zachary Wigon, ‘Sanctuary’ shows what happens when Hal tells Rebecca that they cannot have their sessions anymore because he is going to be his company’s CEO. Considering the sessions have been conducted like interviews, Rebecca demands half of Hal’s salary, as he wouldn’t have made it this far without her. What follows is both trying to keep the upper hand and win the argument that takes the form of chaos over the course of one night.
Both Qaulley and Abbott brilliantly contribute to the gripping narrative, bringing their own sense of self-righteousness marred with sadism to the table. Furthermore, the storytelling and cinematography also contribute to the chaos and, by extension, to the film’s nature. A gripping watch, ‘Sanctuary’ is a rare addition to sex comedy. You can watch it here.
5. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
This incredible period drama set in 1770 in France revolves around Marianne, a female painter who earns a commission to draw a portrait of Héloïse, a bride-to-be. Incidentally, Héloïse is a young girl just out of the convent, and with her being reluctant to enter an arranged marriage, Marianne is given the task of painting her without her knowledge. Introducing herself as Héloïse’s hired companion, Marianne sets about observing her subject. However, with the revelation of the truth, the two women find themselves obsessed with each other and embroiled in a steamy love affair that is sure to have disastrous consequences. You can watch ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ here.
4. Anaïs in Love (2021)
In ‘Anaïs in Love,’ directed by Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet, the film takes a bold and mature stance on themes of love, desire, and self-discovery. Anaïs, portrayed by Anaïs Demoustier, is on the cusp of turning 30, and her journey becomes a captivating exploration of adult complexities. The plot unfolds as Anaïs engages in passionate relationships with four distinct men, each representing a different facet of her desires and aspirations. This French romantic drama offers an intimate and thought-provoking glimpse into the intricacies of modern relationships and the quest for personal identity, making it a compelling choice for mature audiences interested in a candid exploration of the human heart. You can follow Anaïs’s experience here.
3. Sharp Stick (2022)
‘Sharp Stick,’ under Lena Dunham’s direction, emerges as a compelling adult comedy film, deftly navigating complex themes with finesse. Featuring the remarkable performances of Kristine Froseth and Jon Bernthal, the story revolves around Sarah Jo, a 26-year-old aspiring to break free from her obscure existence on Hollywood’s outskirts. Sarah’s naive longing for recognition takes a bold turn when she engages in a passionate affair with her older employer. What follows is a powerful exploration of sexuality, loss, and the dynamics of power. You can watch ‘Sharp Stick’ here.
2. Benedetta (2021)
Directed by Paul Verhoeven, ‘Benedetta‘ is a daring exploration of adult themes within the historical drama genre. Set in 17th-century Italy, the film follows the tumultuous life of Benedetta Carlini, portrayed by Virginie Efira, a novice nun who experiences a tumultuous affair with another nun, Bartolomea, played by Daphné Patakia. The plot delves into the complexities of their forbidden love amidst the backdrop of religious fervor and the Inquisition’s looming threat. Boldly addressing themes of desire, religion, and power, ‘Benedetta‘ navigates provocative territories, challenging conventional cinematic boundaries and offering an audacious and thought-provoking experience for mature audiences. You can watch the movie here.
1. Poor Things (2023)
This multiple-academy-award-winning fantasy drama is set in an alternate steam-punk 1880s. It is based on the 1992 novel ‘Poor Things: Episodes from the Early Life of Archibald McCandless M.D., Scottish Public Health Officer’ by Alasdair Gray. The film follows the experiences, adventures, and exploits of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a woman with an infant’s brain, thanks to surgeon Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Since Bella thinks and acts like a child, her perception of the world ups the ante of the film as a social commentary underscored by feminism and female sexuality that have been addressed in a much-required graphic manner. The film co-stars Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Suzy Bemba. A visually stunning drama, ‘Poor Things’ is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. You can watch it here.
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