Slut in a Good Way

Slut in a Good Way is a brave, unconventional, and humorous film released in 2018 that takes on often taboo topics of teenage sexuality and feminism with a unique blend of audacity and sensitivity. Canadian director Sophie Lorain transforms what might have otherwise been a foreseeable tale of teenage debauchery into an insightful exploration of modern societal constructs and stereotypes, pushing boundaries and prompting expressive conversations.

The protagonist of the film, Charlotte "Charlie" (Romane Denis), an intelligent and conscientious teenager, goes through an unexpected experience that prompts her to reexamine her aspirations, perceptions of love, and sexual self-awareness. The movie's head-on engagement with important topics that are close to the hearts of many young people today sets the stage for a moving, dynamic, and refreshingly honest narrative. The stellar performances by Romane Denis, Anthony Therrien, and Rose Adam not only build up the film's dramatic depth but also beautifully color its vivid backdrop.

Following a heartbreak and the disillusionment that comes with it, Charlie, along with her two best friends, Sarah and Lou, seeks employment at a down-at-heel toy store, named "Toy Depot." There, she plunges into an unexpected frisson of eccentric co-workers, chiefly male, who add to her evolving understanding of her own sexuality. Anthony Therrien's performance as Guillaume, the charismatic, and fun-loving young gentleman working alongside her, becomes an instrumental figure in her emotional and sexual explorations.

The movie's title, Slut in a Good Way, boldly prepares the audience for the content, perhaps even more so than anticipated: the characters, dialogue, and plot are all staunchly compassionate towards young women's autonomy and sexual liberation. A key focus is Charlie's transformation as she explores her physical desires and emotional needs, and how these affect her relationships, her image, her esteem, and her overall outlook towards life.

The term "slut" is deconstructed in its usage, flipping its traditionally negative connotation on its head. Slut in a Good Way takes a clear stand against slut-shaming; instead, the movie emphasizes the importance of women having autonomy over their bodies, emotions, and decisions while also validating their experiences – without judgment. It's undeniably a story that applauds female liberation, demonstrating that sexual freedom isn't an indication of a woman's character or worthiness.

Shot entirely in black and white, this choice offers an aesthetically pleasing and broader canvas for the director to explore the complexities of the narrative. This cloak of monochrome lends an ethereal quality to the film while intensifying the rawness and tangibility of the emotions breathed out by its characters.

What's remarkable about Slut in a Good Way is that it doesn't strive for perfect and tidy conclusions. Instead, it strives for a proudly honest portrayal of the often complex and messy reality of teenage life and sexuality. The film touches upon the nuances of teen, queer and female sexuality with an openness and frankness that is rare to come across in mainstream cinema. It is an ode to the modern youth, their dilemmas, confusions, celebrations, and, of course, their attempts at self-discovery.

Humor plays a big role in lightening the weighty subjects of Slut in a Good Way. The film is scattered with perfectly time comedic quips and sequences that lend levity to the narrative, without diluting the seriousness of its themes, an aspect of the film that many audiences have greatly appreciated.

Moreover, the film’s character diversity and communal feeling pay tribute to the reality of adolescent life, which is often messy, filled with clashing experiences, perspectives, and emotions. This aspect is also reflected in the movie’s dialogues, which are marked with the dash of impulsiveness and fiery rebelliousness inherent in youth, thus making Slut in a Good Way more relatable.

Every once in a while, a movie comes along that takes a brave stand and makes a significant social commentary, and Slut in a Good Way is one such flick. It remains a humorous and tender portrait of youth, while also serving as a progressive commentary on feminism, sexual exploration, and society's gender dynamics. Not shying away from portraying the confusing adolescence, it is raw, refreshing, and real, and it speaks to anyone who's ever been through those transformative years.