It is unfortunate that this indie-art house film has struggled with two lackluster titles ("Remembering Sex" and "Getting Off") that do not convey the essence of the film. Much more than a film about sex, the film provides an indelible portrait of American hedonism in the 1990s. This film resonated with honesty in the character portrayals, and one senses that the scenes and dialogue were drawn directly from personal experience.
Written and directed by Julie Lynch, the film includes some outstanding footage of New York City. Above all, it captures with great urgency many of the personal pressures and torments of the modern age as seen through the lens of its main character Josie.
Christine Harnos delivers a riveting performance as Josie, a talented artist struggling with demons that result in chronic alcoholism and sexual addiction. The film never fully addresses how Josie might combat and resolve her inner torment. Her patience and her skills as a social worker involved with children were her strengths. Her supportive co-worker Michael (David Marshall Grant) recognizes those strengths. The film could have suggested a way for Josie to acknowledge her good qualities and work through her problems.
The film is worth watching for the performance of Harnos and for a window into the malaise of the 1990s, a prosperous yet troubled decade. Perhaps a third attempt at a decent title might help in doing justice to this modest yet memorable film.
