My sexual life is a social drama that offers a poignant and realistic portrayal of a young woman's struggle in contemporary Romania. The film follows Dorina, a young woman who drops out of university to care for her ill parents. Forced to work in a sex shop to make ends meet, she finds herself pregnant and decides to keep the child, choosing to raise it alone amid social judgment, financial hardship, and the unexpected return of the child's father.
What sets the film apart is its emotional authenticity. Cristina Florea delivers a restrained but powerful performance as Dorina, and she's supported by convincing roles from Vlad Zamfirescu and Gabriel Spahiu. Together, they paint a picture of personal endurance in a society still grappling with old mentalities and modern challenges.
The movie is very much a slice-of-life portrait of working-class Romania, capturing the tensions between tradition and modernity, between duty and self-determination. Critics noted that while the production values are modest and the direction somewhat amateurish, the film succeeds in conveying a deeply human story. Some have even called it "an acceptable amateur debut" - not flawless, but authentic and emotionally resonant.
Thematically, My Sexual Life touches on marginalization, gender roles, and social pressure, without melodrama or excessive stylization. It doesn't aim for international prestige like some Romanian New Wave films but remains grounded, modest, and sincere.
In summary:
While not a technical masterpiece, My Sexual Life is an intimate, socially aware film that resonates through its realism and heart. If you're interested in raw human stories that explore life on the margins of Romanian society, it's worth watching.
