Sex Appeal (2022)

Sex Appeal stands out by treating teen sexuality with a refreshingly warm, sex-positive honesty—funny without being cruel, and sincere without turning preachy. Mika Abdalla makes Avery’s perfectionism both relatable and hilarious, grounding the movie’s big laughs in real nerves and real longing, while the chemistry with Jake Short gives the story an easy, lived-in sweetness. The vibe is bright, modern, and surprisingly thoughtful, using its “science of intimacy” premise to gently nudge you toward the messier truths of connection and self-acceptance. It is TV-MA and more candid than many teen rom-coms, so it won’t be for everyone—but if you want a romantic comedy that’s inclusive, upbeat, and actually has something kind to say, this one earns your time.

Sex Appeal wants to be a modern teen rom-com about a perfectionist trying to “study” intimacy and learning that real connection can’t be turned into a spreadsheet. The problem is it often plays like a checklist of familiar sex-comedy beats, with thin character work and dialogue that aims for witty but lands closer to awkward, so the emotional growth doesn’t always feel earned. Mika Abdalla brings some likability and there are a few sweet moments, but the writing and execution don’t give the premise the nuance it needs to stand out. If you’re hoping for something sharper, more heartfelt, or genuinely insightful about teen relationships, you may end up disappointed; if you just want a light, slightly raunchy, TV-MA coming-of-age romp you can half-watch, it might do the job.