Directed by
Molly Manning Walker
Made by
Film4
Discover the intricate plot of How to Have Sex (2024). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As Tara, Em, and Skye arrive at the sun-drenched resort of Malia on the stunning Greek island of Crete, they are on the cusp of a summer filled with self-discovery and liberation. Each young woman stands on the brink of adulthood, eager to embrace a rite-of-passage holiday that vows to be the most unforgettable experience of their lives. For Tara, this trip carries special significance as she wrestles with the pressure to keep pace with her friends’ more adventurous romantic exploits. In contrast, Em is keen to exchange her innocence for a taste of newfound freedom, while Skye grapples with her own inner desires and insecurities.
As the evening descends, the air is tinged with laughter and the sounds of music. The girls encounter Badger, a charming neighbor whose warm smile quickly captivates Tara from the balcony of their hotel room. As they mingle with him and his friend Paddy, the lines demarcating friendship and attraction begin to blur. Em’s flirtation with one of Badger’s other buddies serves as a stark contrast to Skye’s snide remarks about Tara’s virginity, provoking Tara’s growing anxiety. Despite her initial reservations, Tara finds herself drawn to Badger, who appears to genuinely care for her.
However, when Tara inadvertently discovers Badger’s involvement in a risqué game at an outdoor club, her infatuation quickly transforms into disillusionment and discomfort. Instead of remaining, she takes off with Paddy, who convinces her to join him at the beach under the guise of a romantic evening. Although hesitant at first, Tara eventually yields to Paddy’s advances, only to awaken the following morning tormented and filled with uncertainty.
As Em and Badger grow increasingly worried about Tara’s unexplained absence, they eventually track her down at a villa where she had immersed herself in late-night revelries with new acquaintances. The effects of her long night out are evident, but what weighs heavier on Tara are her disappointing exam results, leaving her to confront an uncertain future.
In the chaotic aftermath of this wild adventure, Skye’s gossip escalates regarding Tara’s “new experiences,” spreading rapidly among their circle. Yet, only Em is privy to the deeper struggles Tara faces as she comes to terms with her choices. Meanwhile, Badger emerges as an unexpected confidant for Tara, providing comfort with his gentle demeanor and genuine concern for her well-being. As he helps her reconnect with reality, he departs, leaving Tara to grapple with the repercussions of her decisions in solitude.
As dawn breaks on the final day of their escapade, Tara’s desire for a peaceful morning is interrupted by Paddy’s unexpected romantic encroachment upon her room. Witnessed by the ever-empathetic Badger, the intimate gestures momentarily disturb Tara’s friend, leaving her heartbroken. As the morning progresses, Tara again rebuffs Paddy’s advances, only for him to later engage in sexual acts with her while she is still asleep—his actions indicative of a blatant disregard for her consent. The tender moment quickly transforms when Skye and Badger enter, oblivious to the discomfort that has unfolded.
While preparing to leave the hotel, a swirl of emotions fills the air as the group exchanges heartfelt farewells with fellow travelers. For Tara, however, a conscious decision to distance herself from Paddy accompanies her strained goodbye, reflecting her need to reclaim her agency. At the airport, Skye’s probing inquiries about Tara’s encounters with Paddy push the limits of her comfort, prompting her to retreat into herself.
In a poignant moment of vulnerability, Tara confides in Em, expressing how Paddy took advantage of her by initiating sex while she was asleep. Initially taken aback, Em’s expression softens as she comprehends the gravity of the situation, reassuring Tara that what transpired was definitely not “fine.” As they begin to board the plane back to England, Em makes a heartfelt promise: together, they will tackle their concerns head-on, emerging stronger and united on the other side.
Track the key events of How to Have Sex (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Arrival in Malia
Tara, Em, and Skye arrive at the sun-drenched resort of Malia on the stunning Greek island of Crete. They are filled with anticipation for a summer of self-discovery and memorable experiences as they embark on this rite-of-passage holiday.
Meeting Badger
As the evening descends, the girls encounter Badger, a charming neighbor who quickly captivates Tara's attention. Their interaction introduces a blend of friendship and attraction that complicates their initial group dynamic.
Flirtation and Tension
Em flirts with one of Badger's friends, while Skye makes snide remarks about Tara’s virginity. This sparks a growing anxiety in Tara as she feels pressure to step outside her comfort zone amidst her friends' adventurous behavior.
Disillusionment with Badger
Tara discovers Badger's involvement in a risqué game at an outdoor club, which leads to her disillusionment. This revelation forces her to reconsider her feelings and her understanding of their connection.
The Beach with Paddy
After leaving the club, Tara reluctantly goes to the beach with Paddy. Initially hesitant, she eventually succumbs to his advances, only to wake the following morning filled with uncertainty about her choices.
Em and Badger's Concern
As the day unfolds, Em and Badger become increasingly worried about Tara, who is missing. Their concerns lead them to search for her, revealing the bonds of friendship amidst the chaos of summer adventures.
Late Night Revelries
Tara is found at a villa, deep in late-night revelries with new acquaintances. The wild night contrasts sharply with her academic struggles, as she grapples with disappointing exam results that haunt her.
Gossip and Isolation
Skye's gossip about Tara's experiences starts to spread among their friends. While the rumors fly, only Em seems to grasp the deeper struggles Tara faces, adding to her feelings of isolation and regret.
Tara's Confidant
Badger becomes an unexpected source of comfort for Tara, as he offers genuine concern and understanding. His gentle demeanor helps her reconnect with her sense of reality amidst her tumultuous experiences.
Paddy's Inappropriate Advances
On the final day, Tara's peaceful morning is shattered by Paddy’s unexpected romantic intrusion. His disregard for her comfort escalates tension, influencing the dynamics within their friendship group.
Reclaiming Agency
As they prepare to leave, Tara consciously distances herself from Paddy, signaling her need to reclaim her agency. This moment is significant as she learns to navigate her experiences and emotions more assertively.
Airport Tension
At the airport, Skye probes Tara about her recent encounters, which causes discomfort and prompts Tara to retreat into herself. This interaction highlights the strains within their friendship as they navigate sensitive topics.
Confiding in Em
Tara finally opens up to Em about how Paddy took advantage of her while she was asleep. Their conversation marks a pivotal moment of vulnerability, revealing the weight of Tara's experience and the importance of their friendship.
Promise of Support
As the girls board their flight back to England, Em promises Tara that they will confront their worries together. This reassurance strengthens their bond and signifies their growth and resilience as friends.
Meet the characters that bring How to Have Sex (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Tara
Tara is a young woman grappling with the pressures of growing up and navigating new experiences. Throughout the film, she demonstrates both strength and vulnerability, showing her internal struggles as she seeks approval from her friends. Her journey highlights the importance of consent and self-empowerment.
Em
Em is depicted as the level-headed friend who provides unwavering support to Tara throughout their adventures. Her desire to explore her own independence contrasts with her protective instincts, making her a compassionate figure in the group. Em's character embodies loyalty and understanding in the face of personal dilemmas.
Skye
Skye is portrayed as a more skeptical and outspoken member of the group, often challenging Tara's actions. Her character grapples with her insecurities, which leads to moments of tension among the friends. Despite her critical nature, Skye ultimately seeks to understand her own desires and what they mean for her friendships.
Badger
Badger is a charming and caring character who provides Tara with comfort and a sense of understanding amidst her turmoil. His genuine concern for Tara allows him to emerge as an unexpected confidant during her struggles. Through his kindness, he plays a crucial role in helping Tara confront her feelings and regain her agency.
Paddy
Paddy embodies a more reckless attitude, often pushing boundaries in his interactions with Tara. His character serves as a catalyst for Tara's internal conflict, as he represents both temptation and a breach of trust. The consequences of his actions highlight important discussions around consent and agency.
Uncover the settings of How to Have Sex (2024), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds during contemporary times, amidst a backdrop of summer fun and budding adulthood. This period is characterized by themes of exploration and the challenges that young individuals face while navigating relationships and personal growth. It captures a moment where traditional values may clash with new, carefree attitudes.
Location
Malia, Crete
Malia is a vibrant resort town located on the beautiful island of Crete, known for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife. The area attracts a young crowd looking to experience freedom and adventure during the summer months. With its warm climate and picturesque landscapes, Malia serves as the perfect backdrop for a journey of self-discovery and youthful exploration.
Explore the core themes of How to Have Sex (2024). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Self-Discovery
The theme of self-discovery permeates the narrative as Tara and her friends confront their ambitions, desires, and realities. Each character represents a different aspect of the quest for identity, evolving through their experiences. As they navigate relationships and personal challenges, they learn valuable lessons about autonomy and the complexities of consent.
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Consequences
Consequences play a pivotal role in the characters' journeys, especially for Tara as she grapples with her decisions. The film highlights how choices made in the heat of excitement can have lingering effects on one's emotional and psychological state. This theme underscores the importance of navigating relationships with care and mindfulness.
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Friendship
Friendship is a cornerstone of the film, showcasing the strong bonds between the three main characters. Em's unwavering support for Tara illustrates the strength that comes from true friendship during turbulent times. The film explores how friends can uplift each other while also confronting uncomfortable truths together.
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