Relax ... It's Just Sex

Relax ... It's Just Sex, is a 1998 release which presents a vibrant and playful peek into the intimate encounters and sexual explorations of a diverse group of friends in Los Angeles. Directed by P.J. Castellaneta, the movie stars Mitchell Anderson, Jennifer Tilly, Terrence 'T.C.' Carson among an ensemble of other talented actors who deliver engaging performances that make this film worth watching.

Relax ... It's Just Sex is a sexy and outrageous comedy-drama that delves into the lives of a group composed of heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual individuals, exploring their love lives, friendships, and shared experiences. While the large part of the film is humorous and light-hearted, its narratives also tackle serious social issues that underlie the sentiments of sexual orientation and identity.

Mitchell Anderson plays Vincey Sauris, a potently attractive gay man seeking more from his relationships than just sexual encounters. He plays his part with a great deal of sensitivity and pathos, reflecting the dilemmas and desires experienced by single gay men in the late 90s. On the other hand, Jennifer Tilly brings to life the character of Tara Ricotto, a gifted writer with quirks and a caustic wit. Tara is proudly bisexual and unapologetically explores her desires, adding a dynamic and complex dimension to the film, and reflecting the tenacity of women who choose to stand by their unconventional admirations and desires.

Terrence 'T.C.' Carson portrays Gus, a sitcom star at odds with his own public persona and private life, struggling to balance both and grappling with indecisiveness about coming out as a gay man. Carson's performance yields a nuanced snapshot of the struggle that many gay people bearing public personas had to go through during the Hollywood era in which the film was set.

In this warm, vivacious, and at times raucous film, the combination of friendships, thwarted longings, tension-filled family gatherings, and one unforgettable home invasion drives home the movie's main point: that sex may indeed be a natural part of life, but that it never occurs in quite the same way between any two (or more) people.

The title of the film, Relax ... It's Just Sex, might seem flippant, but it underscores the persistent reminder of the film that sex, although an integral part of relationships and personal identities, is not the sole definition of an individual's personality or the determinant of their happiness. Instead, the movie emphasizes that love, understanding, and acceptance are the essential ingredients for crafting meaningful relationships.

The film skillfully challenges the social stereotypes associated with sexuality, addressing head-on the stigmas faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Yet it is not just a film about sexuality, but how it intertwines with friendships, love, and our search for self-identity. And rather than taking a preachy approach, the movie addresses its subject matter with a balanced mix of humor and seriousness, making it accessible and enjoyable for broad audiences.

The film doesn't shy away from featuring explicit sexual scenes, but they are showcased in such ways that respect the characters and their individual journeys, never crossing into distaste or vulgarity. On a visual level, 'Relax ... It's Just Sex' boasts a vibrant and natural color palette that reflects the breeziness of its setting - Los Angeles. All these elements culminate to form a visual representation of 90s LA, with its liberal and experimental pulse reflected in the lives and choices of the characters.

Overall, Relax ... It's Just Sex, is a sincere and humorous study on the complexities of human desires, relationships, sexualities, and the myriad ways they intersect. The narrative never shirks from its aim to stimulate conversation about sexuality that remains relevant today, packed with a talented ensemble cast, sharp writing, and an impressive blend of comedy and drama.