I was expecting a worse film from Lena Dunham, but Sharp Stick surprisingly is alright and it's watchable, yet it's still a mixed bag film concept and plot. I like indie films that naturally flow pace-wise and Sharp Stick's plot unfolds organically without feeling forced in the first half. While I think having a coming-of-age story set as a sex comedy can be interesting and full of complexity, the later half of the plot just lacked in storytelling and felt tedious once the main character Sarah Jo (Kristine Froseth) became obsessed with a porn star and inviting all these one-night stands to her apartment room, so she can check off on a literal list all the new sex acts and kinks she has tried. I just lost interest when it came to that point in the storyline. However, I do like the message stressed in the end that no one is perfect at sex, there is no such thing as "perfect sex," and one's self-esteem should never be affected because of "bad sex" one has experienced.
I've always wanted to see Jon Bernthal (he's easy on the eyes) as a romantic interest and this film achieves that lol. Bernthal as Josh and Froseth as Sarah Jo have natural chemistry in their scenes and I must be the only one that wanted their relationship to work out in the end in someway.
Recommended if you like indie films. I look forward to seeing Dunham's future directorial projects.
Plot summary
Sarah Jo is a naive 26-year-old living on the fringes of Hollywood with her mother and sister. When she begins an affair with her older employer, she is thrust into an education on sexuality, loss and power.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
August 17, 2022 at 01:37 PM
Director
Top cast
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Surprisingly watchable even with a mixed bag plot; the romance shines despite limited screen time
Didn't do anything for me, sorry
As "Sharp Stick" (2022 release; 86 min) opens, we are introduced to Treina and Sarah Jo, sisters in their 20s living at home with mom. Sarah Jo is 26 and still a virgin. She works as a nanny/housekeeper of sorts and one day she makes a move onto Josh, her employer and a married father...
Couple of comments: this is the latest project from writer-producer-director Lena Dunham, who for good measure also stars (as Josh's wife). Even though the movie's premise seems a little unlikely, given the standard of excellence typically exhibited in Dunham's projects, I decided to give this a try. Alas, I shouldn't have. I don't know exactly what happened here, but something went very wrong. Bottom line is that I never bought into any of the characters, least of all Sarah Jo as the 26 yo virgin. And the storyline doesn't feel credible or likely for most of this either. Despite some great acting talent attached to this (including Kristine Froseth. Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Jon Bernthal, just to name those, this movie just didn't do anything for me, sorry...
"Sharp Stick" bypassed US theaters altogether and went straight to VOD upon its release this past summer. It recently started streaming on Hulu, where I caught it. I can't really recommend this to anyone in good conscience. Of course don't take my word for it, so if you are a fan of Dunham's prior output, I'd suggest you check this out (with lowered expectations), and draw your own conclusion.