The Opposite of Sex

The Opposite of Sex (1998) is a dark and biting comedy written and directed by Don Roos. Starring Christina Ricci, Martin Donovan, and Lisa Kudrow, the film expertly treads the line between satire and emotion, creating an unconventional narrative that explores the multifaceted nature of relationships and sexuality.

This movie opens with the arrival of Deedee Truitt, portrayed by Christina Ricci, a 16-year-old runaway who is much bigger than her small-town roots. She is sardonic, impulsive and manipulative, with an uncanny ability to create a ripple of chaos in seemingly tranquil affairs. Deedee crashes in at her half-brother Bill’s (Martin Donovan) house in Indiana, disrupting the amicable life he has been leading with his live-in boyfriend Matt (Ivan Sergei) and Lucia (Lisa Kudrow), his deceased partner's sister. Bill is a kind-hearted high school teacher, while Lucia is a sharp-tongued woman who's consistently vexed by Deedee's antics, creating an interesting dynamic with the trio.

"Really, what is sex?" is a question Deedee poses early on in the narrative, instantly setting the tone for the film. Through her eyes, sex is potentially weaponizable - a means of attaining power, material gain, and control. However, these polarising views on sexuality only contribute to the chaos born out of Deedee's arrival, as she brazenly claims to be pregnant with Matt's child and takes off with him to Los Angeles. In the perplexing trail she leaves behind, Bill and Lucia are compelled to follow, examining the twisted narrative threads of sexuality and relationship along the way.

Lucia, essayed by Lisa Krowdow, is the polar opposite of Deedee. As a school teacher who has sworn of sex after a romantic debacle, she brings forth a contrast to Deedee's unapologetic, wild side. She's hurt but not defeated, licking her wounds while attempting to make sense of Deedee's whirlwind persona. Krowdow's performance skillfully pivots between that of a woman with a wry sense of humor and a deeply sensitive individual, subtly challenging our understanding of sexuality and love.

On the other hand, Martin Donovan's portrayal of Bill captures the perspective of a man beleaguered by his past, just as he is confronted by his sister's mess. His struggles to maintain his relationship, while also managing the whirlwind that is Deedee, form the crux of his arc. Ivan Sergei plays Matt, a naive and hopelessly love-struck young man who gets swept away in Deedee's tempest, showcasing the often blind and impulsive nature of young love.

Don Roos' script provides a nuanced exploration of the complexity of human relationships and sex, effectively blending biting humor with emotional depth. The film employs a non-linear narrative, unraveling the characters and their complexities over the course of its 105-minute run time, with each character contributing to the larger societal discourse on love, sex, and relationships.

One of the triumphs of the film is its intricate character development. To its credit, The Opposite of Sex doesn’t shy away from exposing its characters’ flaws and follies. The film gives each character space to grow, or fail, and change, mirroring the realism of human emotions and actions.

The biting comedy of this film comes from its irreverent and unapologetic take on sex and relationships but also hints at a deeply human, emotional underpinning, subtly shifting the narrative from satire to deep introspection. Enhanced by the palpable chemistry between the characters, picturesque cinematography, and sharp dialogue, the film successfully showcases the far-reaching impact of one rebellious teenager, creating a movie with intriguing dynamics that leave a lasting impression.

The Opposite of Sex is a multi-layered narrative with rich, unconventional characters that keeps the audience engaged, evolving beyond an offbeat black comedy to a mature examination of sexuality and relations. One moment it leaves you laughing, the next it has you contemplating profound societal truths, and therein lies its appeal. Its unapologetic exploration of life, sexuality, and human nature is what makes it an enduring classic.