5 EMPOWERING SEX SCENES

BY: Nicole Kirichanskaya

It’s fair to say that there is more sex than ever on television, ranging from streaming platforms like Hulu and Netflix to the traditional networks. Like anything else, not all sex scenes are created equal. Many are designed for the male mindset and may not arouse women. The clips described below are some of the most empowering and erotic, using beautiful camera angles and enticing choreography.

THE NAKED DIRECTOR

Season 1, Episode 5: The Blossoming

The Naked Director is a Japanese-based Netflix series that focuses on a semi-autobiographical portrayal of legendary porn director, Toru Muranishi. The series features scenes that range from masturbation to more hardcore; however, episode 5 especially stood out to me. In this clip, aspiring porn actress Kaoru Karoki lenses her first with the director himself playing the love interest and with the tables flipped in the encounter. Constantly being chastised for her erotic nature and the freedom she wants, Kuroki eagerly takes the lead in this adult show. From physically flipping positions so that she’s literally and metaphorically on top, to ensuring she feels pleasured multiple times over, even the crew commented, “He’s not fucking her. She’s fucking him.” What’s empowering is that a female, especially a Japanese woman, was free to pursue her desires during this period. And in a conversation with the director afterward, Karoki was praised and not demonized.

VIDA

Season 2, Episode 10

Lesbian sex isn’t often presented accurately on mainstream TV. Starz’ Vida is one of the few shows that proudly portrays LatinX and LGTBQAI focused themes. An example is in Vida’s season 2 finale. In it, Emma and Nico dance around their attraction for each other and make a big move in the way that only Vida can. The tension ends in a climax, literally and figuratively, with an erotic hook-up in Vida’s bathroom. It features intense biting and kissing, and gestures of mutual respect/lust they have for each other. Often sex scenes filmed with the man in mind capture the intensity, without capturing the joy and affection that (good) sex often includes.  The intimacy captured between these women is a pleasure, in many senses, to watch.

INSECURE

Season 3, Episode 5: Beyonce or Bust

HBO’s Insecure is a brilliantly written show focusing on the trials and tribulations of Issa Dee, and one of the best parts of it, besides great comedic timing and realism, are the sex scenes. In season 3, Issa has unplanned and insanely hot sex with her love interest, Nathan, in a Ferris wheel at Coachella. What’s sensual is that Issa took the lead by kissing Nathan first and calling the shots for her pleasure. The Ferris wheel’s blue lighting on the couple’s skin is visually appealing and captivating as well.

THE HOOK UP PLAN

Season 1, Ep 3: The Booty Plan

The Hook Up Plan, translated from the French phrase “Plan Coeur,” is one of the sexiest and funniest shows I’ve ever seen on Netflix. This French-based Netflix series focuses on awkward but loveable protagonist Elsa and her friends’ sweet if misguided attempt to cheer her up with a male escort. However, this storyline widely veers away from falling in love with hooker stereotypes. Escort Jules develops genuine feelings for Issa and when the time comes for the hook-up, it is both sweet and sensual. The pair start with a passionate kiss at an aquarium (a visually appealing background) and quickly progresses to Elsa’s apartment. The sex itself was well-shot with great choreography, but what makes it so good is the foreplay. Elsa’s awkward nature and Jule’s cute and sexy attempts at flirting provide an appealing sense of anticipation.

SENSE8

Season 1, Ep 6: Demons

Sense8 is one of those shows that’s so incredibly complex and so visually pleasing, it’s hard not to get sucked in. One of the most alluring aspects of the Netflix series is its mind-bogglingly searing sex. Arguably, the hottest sexcapade is in episode six of season one, where an eight-person orgy occurs. The camera switches from one participant to the next and culminates in a massive group climax. The sex is hot and inclusive on so many levels, racially, geographically and with stunning LGBTAI representation. Among the eight having sex with each other in an intense, but hot orgy, are the shots of Lito and Nomi having lovingly sweet passion with their partners. This sequence is one of the most progressive and steamy sex scenes ever portrayed on television.