If you’ve ever watched the series Sex Education – a hit show from Netflix – you are undoubtedly familiar with its steamy yet humorous scenes that boldly explore themes of intimacy without crossing into discomfort. The charm of the show lies not only in its educational content regarding sexual health but also in the way the cast approaches the depiction of sensitive topics, particularly through the lens of an intimacy director.
When Hot Scenes in Sex Education Feel Like a New Experience
In a recent interview with Digital Spy, Emma Mackey – who plays Maeve Wiley – revealed how the hot scenes are executed with her co-star Kedar Williams-Stirling (who plays Jackson), emphasizing the meticulous attention to detail. “We have choreography for each moment. Meaning, every move is timed to the second. You do this in 7 seconds, that in 5 seconds… It’s like you’re dancing a specific dance. The goal is to ensure that every sensation feels authentic and comes off as genuine,” Emma explained.
Not just Emma, actress Aimee-Lou Wood (who plays Aimee) also expressed her feelings about the tight-knit teamwork that went into the filming of Sex Education. The hot scene between Aimee and Adam (played by Connor Swindells) in Season 1 was rehearsed thoroughly: “We practiced it several times, still wearing our costumes, and it felt like: do this, do that… This process made us feel completely at ease, ‘Oh, this is just work. There’s no need to worry about whether it feels awkward or not.’”
The Person Behind the Emotional Scenes in Sex Education
The guiding force behind the intimate scenes in Sex Education is Ita O’Brien – an intimacy director. She approaches the task of choreographing intimate scenes much like directors of action films handle fight choreography: there must be planning, structure, and ultimately, a strong emphasis on consent. Ita shared with Mashable, “I create processes and structures for intimate scenes. Instead of the director saying, ‘I want this,’ where the actors are left to figure it out, I help build a framework that ensures everyone feels comfortable and safe with every detail – from the way their bodies connect to the surrounding environment.”
This approach not only makes the actors feel safe but also helps them express their characters’ emotions more vividly. The intimate scenes become less about titillation and more about authentic storytelling – both physically and emotionally. That’s why the cast members, including those who play supporting roles, feel grateful for their experiences working on Sex Education.
Sex Education – More than Just “Hot” Scenes, It’s About Authenticity
While it often appears on lists of the most adult-themed shows on Netflix due to its numerous 18+ scenes, Sex Education has never been merely about showcasing skin. On the contrary, the show provides a crucial educational value regarding sexual health – particularly for a teenage audience that is often left in the dark when it comes to accurate and healthy information.
Sex Education opens discussions about vital topics such as consent, sexuality, gender identity, and various mental health issues that are often overlooked. The series does not shy away from sensitive themes like first-time experiences, societal pressures, or confusion about identity, presenting them in a nuanced and relatable manner. With its smart, humorous, and deeply humanistic approach, Sex Education has become a symbol of a shift in societal attitudes towards sex education. It serves not only as entertainment but also as a tool for parents to engage in “difficult conversations” with their children. The show acts as a comprehensive guide to sexuality, wrapped in humor, vibrancy, and thoughtful storytelling.
