Watch Sex and Death 101
- R
- 2007
- 1 hr 40 min
-
5.9 (11,677)
Sex and Death 101 is an American romantic comedy-drama film from the year 2007. Directed by Daniel Waters, the movie stars Robert Wisdom, Tanc Sade, and Patton Oswalt in leading roles. Sex and Death 101 explores the story of a successful businessman, Roderick Blank (Simon Baker) who receives an anonymous email, listing each of his sexual conquests- all 101 of them. This leads him down a path of self-discovery and eventual tribulation; while the list gives Blank an opportunity to reflect on his living legacy, it also sets off a chain reaction of unforeseen events that prove to be more sinister and connected than he originally thought.
The film opens with the aforementioned Roderick Blank, a handsome, successful, and wealthy businessman about to get married; he is content in his current lifestyle and looking forward to settling down with his fiancée, Fiona (Winona Ryder). However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he receives an anonymous email that lists each of his past and present sexual partners. This messaging leaves nothing to chance and is more comprehensive than Blank could have ever imagined.
Determined to discover the source of the email, Blank embarks on a journey to locate the originator, which leads him to many eccentric characters all with their own stories of the mystery woman behind Sex and Death 101. He meets Miranda (Julie Bowen), a beautiful and successful writer with whom he engages in intense dialogues regarding the deeper meanings of life and the email's implications. He also comes across Trixie (Kyra Sedgwick), a motorbike-riding vixen who specializes in male seduction while remaining detached emotionally. There's also the alluring and mysterious Kristen (Sophie Monk), who leaves a lasting impression on Blank.
Throughout the film, we see Blank grapple with the revelation of his sexual history and the impact it has had on his life. The journey towards discovering the email's origin becomes a journey of self-discovery for Blank, as he reflects on his own sense of self-worth, his relationship with women, and his past mistakes.
The film also explores themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Blank's eventual resolution brings about a sense of inner peace, and he is assured that his experiences have molded him into the person he is today. It's difficult to say more without revealing the plot, but the film is notable for its razor-sharp humor, strong direction and visually intriguing aesthetics. Daniel Waters is an experienced writer and director who helmed the iconic â80s dark comedy Heathers, and his melancholic and sardonic style is back in full force here.
The performances in Sex and Death 101 are another highlight, with Simon Baker delivering a vulnerable and nuanced performance as the male lead. Supporting him is a cast of talented actors who delightfully chew scenery, including Winona Ryder as Blank's fiancée, Fiona, and Patton Oswalt as Blank's former classmate at school. The chemistry between Baker and Bowen is a standout from the rest, with their shared conversations and emotive displays making their on-screen romance feel genuine and poignant.
In conclusion, Sex and Death 101 is a thought-provoking and engrossing tale about self-reflection, love and mortality. It offers a unique take on the romantic-comedy genre whilst maintaining a charmingly silly sense of humor, making it an enjoyable experience for all audiences. The film is an under-appreciated gem from the late 2000s and one that deserves more recognition.
Sex and Death 101 is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 24.