Directed by
Sean Anders
Made by
Summit Distribution
Discover the intricate plot of Sex Drive (2008). 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.
Ian Lafferty, portrayed by Josh Zuckerman, is an eighteen-year-old graduate who embarks on a quest to connect with a girl online. He crafts a persona that makes him seem buff and charming, but in reality, he is quite the opposite—sweet and earnest. When he meets “Ms. Tasty,” played by Katrina Bowden, he eagerly agrees to meet her in Knoxville, a vibrant city far from his home in Brookfield. Joined by his close friends, Lance, depicted by Clark Duke, and Felicia, played by Amanda Crew, they borrow a Pontiac GTO Judge from Ian’s haughty older brother, Rex (James Marsden), without his knowledge.
Their journey to Knoxville becomes a chaotic adventure. Struggling with car troubles, they encounter a hitchhiker while the radiator in the Pontiac overheats. During a humorous attempt to fix the radiator by urinating in it, they unintentionally drive away the hitchhiker who felt neglected by Ian’s indifference. Meanwhile, as Ian and Felicia seek assistance, Lance stays with the car. They meet Ezekiel, portrayed by Seth Green, who arrives in a horse-drawn buggy alongside his Amish friends. They lend a hand in fixing the car and invite the trio to a Rumspringa party featuring a concert by Fall Out Boy, where Lance finds himself enamored with an attractive Amish girl, Mary (Alice Greczyn). They agree to return later to repay the favor.
However, the mischief does not end there. Ian’s frustrations boil over, leading to a mishap that lands them in jail after he throws a tire iron at a state trooper’s vehicle. They are released thanks to Mary, who pays their bail. Afterward, the group checks into a hotel equipped with an array of role-playing rooms. Just as their plans begin to unfold, Rex angrily confronts Ian, forbidding him from seeing Ms. Tasty. In a bid to appease Rex, Ian pretends to be gay, which gives him the green light to meet Ms. Tasty, as Rex hopes this encounter will sway his brother’s interest.
Upon meeting Ms. Tasty in person, however, Ian’s dream takes a dark turn. She attempts to seduce him, but that allure quickly morphs into a threat, as her deranged boyfriend, Bobby Jo (Dave Sheridan), brandishes a gun. It’s soon discovered that they are involved in a chop shop operation and plan to rob Rex’s Pontiac. Amid the ensuing chaos, Ian manages to rescue Felicia, who courageously reports their situation to the authorities. Ms. Tasty’s getaway attempt is thwarted by some familiar high school adversaries, leaving Bobby Jo to face the consequences after a confrontation with Ian.
Ultimately, in a twist of fate, Lance decides to abandon the journey home for an Amish life with Mary. Meanwhile, Ian and Felicia acknowledge their feelings for one another. On that momentous New Year’s Eve, Ian shares his first intimate experience with Felicia. In a revealing moment, it’s suggested that Rex’s aggression may stem from his own repressed identity. The film closes with a heartwarming shot of Lance and Mary on their wedding day, while Ian and Felicia, alongside a humorous interlude featuring Ezekiel and Fall Out Boy debating their compensation, remind viewers of the unconventional journey they all embarked on together.
Track the key events of Sex Drive (2008) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Ian's Online Quest Begins
Eighteen-year-old Ian Lafferty, portrayed by Josh Zuckerman, embarks on his quest to connect with someone special online. To impress a girl named 'Ms. Tasty', he crafts a persona that paints him as buff and charming, hiding his true sweet nature.
Meeting Ms. Tasty
Excitedly, Ian agrees to meet Ms. Tasty in Knoxville, a city far from his hometown of Brookfield. He sees this as a chance to change his life and hopes for a romantic connection.
Borrowing the Pontiac GTO
Joined by his close friends Lance and Felicia, Ian borrows his older brother Rex's Pontiac GTO Judge. Rex, played by James Marsden, is unaware of their theft, and the trio heads out for their adventure.
Car Troubles and Hitchhiker
As their journey to Knoxville progresses, the car starts having trouble with the radiator overheating. During their attempt to fix it, they unintentionally drive away a hitchhiker who feels ignored.
Encounter with Ezekiel
While looking for help, Ian and Felicia encounter Ezekiel and his Amish friends who arrive in a horse-drawn buggy. They assist in fixing the Pontiac and invite the group to a Rumspringa party featuring a concert by Fall Out Boy.
A Jail Mishap
Frustrations boil over for Ian, leading to a chaotic incident where he throws a tire iron at a state trooper's vehicle. This prank lands them in jail but they are soon released, thanks to Mary, an attractive Amish girl who pays their bail.
Check-In at the Hotel
After their release, the group checks into a hotel featuring various role-playing rooms. This setting sets the stage for their unfolding plans, but Rex soon interrupts to confront Ian.
Pretending to Be Gay
In a bid to appease Rex and secure a chance to meet Ms. Tasty, Ian pretends to be gay. Surprisingly, this ruse grants him the freedom to pursue the girl of his dreams.
Confrontation with Ms. Tasty
Ian's much-anticipated meeting with Ms. Tasty takes a dark turn when her deranged boyfriend, Bobby Jo, brandishes a gun. The reality of their involvement in a chop shop operation shatters Ian's illusions.
Courageous Rescue
In the chaos of the confrontation, Ian bravely rescues Felicia, who then courageously reports their dangerous situation to the authorities. This decisive action leads to the unraveling of Bobby Jo's plans.
Twist of Fate
In an unexpected turn, Lance decides to abandon his friends and embrace a new life within the Amish community with Mary. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the group's adventure.
Confession of Feelings
As the night of New Year's Eve unfolds, Ian and Felicia acknowledge their mutual feelings for each other. This recognition leads to a significant intimate experience that highlights their connection.
Rex's Hidden Struggles
In a reflective moment during the climax of events, it is hinted that Rex's aggressive behavior may stem from his own repressed identity. This revelation adds depth to the character dynamics within the narrative.
Weddings and Farewells
In a heartwarming conclusion, the film closes with Lance and Mary’s wedding day, symbolizing new beginnings. Meanwhile, Ian and Felicia’s relationship blossoms amid humorous moments featuring Ezekiel and Fall Out Boy.
Meet the characters that bring Sex Drive (2008) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Ian Lafferty (Josh Zuckerman)
Ian is a sweet and earnest eighteen-year-old navigating the complexities of romance and friendship. Initially projecting a confident facade through his online persona, he ultimately learns the importance of being true to himself. As the protagonist, his journey is marked by growth and self-discovery.
Felicia (Amanda Crew)
Felicia is Ian's close friend who exhibits intelligence and bravery throughout their adventure. She provides support and encouragement, showcasing a caring side that helps Ian confront his challenges. Her character evolves as she develops romantic feelings for Ian, ultimately sharing a significant moment with him.
Lance (Clark Duke)
Lance is Ian's loyal friend who adds humor and comic relief to their journey. He finds himself enamored with an Amish girl, serving as a contrasting arc to Ian's romantic pursuits. As the story progresses, his character also learns about love and the choices it entails.
Uncover the settings of Sex Drive (2008), 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
Modern Day
The story unfolds in contemporary times where technology and online interactions shape relationships. The characters navigate through a modern landscape filled with challenges reflective of young adulthood and the complexities of love and friendship. Themes of self-discovery and social norms of the current era are prevalent throughout their journey.
Location
Knoxville, Brookfield
Knoxville is a vibrant city known for its rich culture, festivals, and proximity to beautiful natural landscapes. It's a popular destination that attracts visitors for its lively atmosphere and various events. Brookfield, on the other hand, serves as Ian's hometown, representing a more suburban and sheltered environment from which he embarks on his adventurous quest.
Explore the core themes of Sex Drive (2008). 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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Love
The film explores the various facets of young love and attraction, from misguided online personas to genuine connections. Ian's initial infatuation with Ms. Tasty transforms into a deeper bond with Felicia as they face adversities together. Ultimately, love becomes a guiding force leading to personal growth and self-acceptance.
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Adventure
The journey to Knoxville serves as a metaphor for self-exploration and the chaotic experiences of youth. The trio encounters a series of misadventures, including car troubles, encounters with eccentric characters, and confrontations that test their friendship. Each obstacle brings them closer, highlighting the importance of shared experiences.
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Identity
The theme of identity is prominent as Ian grapples with his true self versus the persona he presents online. Through his interactions and experiences, he learns the value of authenticity. Additionally, Rex's struggles with his own identity add depth to the theme, illustrating the pressures of societal expectations.
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