Booksmart: A Modern Coming-of-Age Story

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Booksmart, the 2019 film directed by Olivia Wilde, has been praised for its refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre. The film follows two high school seniors, Molly (played by Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (played by Kaitlyn Dever), who decide to make up for lost time by cramming four years of fun into one wild night before graduation. Along the way, the film tackles issues of friendship, identity, and sexuality with humor and heart. One particularly memorable scene involves a frank and hilarious discussion about sex and masturbation, led by Feldstein and Dever's characters.

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Breaking Down the Taboo

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In a recent interview, Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever sat down to discuss the importance of their characters' candid conversation about sex and masturbation in Booksmart. Both actresses emphasized the need to break down the taboo surrounding these topics, especially for young women. Feldstein remarked, "It's so important for young women to feel comfortable discussing their sexuality and exploring their bodies without shame or embarrassment. I think our characters' openness about these subjects is really empowering."

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Empowering Female Sexuality

Throughout the film, Molly and Amy challenge traditional gender stereotypes and expectations, including those related to sexuality. Kaitlyn Dever explained, "Our characters are unapologetically themselves, and that includes being open and honest about their desires and experiences. It's rare to see young women portrayed in this way, and I think it's incredibly empowering for audiences, especially young women, to see that represented on screen."

Normalizing Masturbation

One of the standout moments in Booksmart is a scene in which Molly and Amy engage in a candid discussion about masturbation. The scene is both comedic and relatable, as the characters share their experiences and misconceptions about self-pleasure. Beanie Feldstein emphasized the importance of normalizing masturbation, stating, "It's something that everyone does, but it's often treated as a taboo or embarrassing topic, especially for women. I love that our film addresses it in a way that's funny and lighthearted, but also genuine and honest."

Challenging Stigma and Shame

In addition to addressing the act of masturbation itself, Booksmart also challenges the stigma and shame that often surround discussions of sexuality. Kaitlyn Dever noted, "There's still so much shame and misinformation surrounding sexuality, particularly for young women. By portraying these conversations in a positive and affirming light, I hope that our film can help to break down some of those barriers and encourage open, healthy dialogue."

The Importance of Representation

Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever also emphasized the importance of representation in media, particularly when it comes to portraying diverse experiences of sexuality. Feldstein stated, "It's crucial for young people to see themselves reflected on screen, and that includes seeing a range of experiences and perspectives when it comes to sexuality. I'm proud that our film offers a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of these issues."

In Conclusion

Booksmart has been celebrated for its fresh and honest portrayal of teenage sexuality, including the candid discussion of sex and masturbation led by Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever's characters. The film's unapologetic approach to these topics has resonated with audiences, particularly young women, who have praised its empowering and relatable message. By normalizing and destigmatizing discussions of sexuality, Booksmart is helping to pave the way for more open and inclusive representations of female sexuality in media.