How to Plan an Orgy in a Small Town

A trauma of adolescence, combined with a cold parental reaction, help shape the main character Cassie in a story about shaking the past and being fearless (within reason) about the future.

If you had told me that I would like a movie that has at its core the theme of "_____-shaming" I would have laughed that off. Or a movie in which the usual character arc might befall a "homophobic" supporting character. But the movie carries the viewer along and up to the titular premise with a plausible and likable series of events led by a solid and charming cast. Canadian fans will spot a pair of actors known for The Listener. Firefly/Serenity fans will be pleased to see Jewel Staite as the lead in what is essentially both a rom-com and social satire.

From the opening chords of music, there is a firm grasp of nostalgia and a gravitas given to situations from the backstory that could have been mishandled but instead give a sense of emotional stakes and a rooting interest. In a culture of obligatory affirmation, it is an accomplishment that this movie manages to stay funny and full of heart and show some empathy for the weirdo outcast nerd along the way. Definitely worth checking out. Some people might be intimidated by the word Orgy in the title. The full title suggests that there is more going on and the potential absurdity of reality versus expectations have been richly mined in this movie.

If your say, in your late teens or maybe early twenties you might just like this film. Younger people are easier to please in my experience. I'm sure that's the audience target because much over that age group and I think you'll probably be too sophisticated to find this film entertaining. The film is really let down by the script which is neither clever, insightful or funny, it's just juvenile. It's verbal Slapstick. The 'plot line' and I use the term advisedly, doesn't quite hold up or ring true. It contradicts itself as does the characters. With a better script and direction it could have been far better. I'm not sure what it was trying to say,I expect nothing.

First off, I feel like this movie instantly gets 50% better if you're Canadian. It's cast is made up entirely of a "oh right, I remember her/him from X tv show" for most people in Canada.

Also, for those expecting a softcore porn film starring alumni from Ginger Snaps, Firefly, Private Eyes and Mutant X I'll say right here you will be very disappointed. Despite the title this movie is mostly about the "planning" part of the orgy rather than the orgy itself. Other than one topless scene with a non-leading actor there's zero nudity. Oh, there's a couple of dudes butts. If you wanted porn there's an entire internet of it out there.

How To Plan An Orgy In A Small Town is just one of those films where it seems like everyone was having fun making it and enjoying the simple premise to its fullest. Performances across-the-board are rather made-for-tv but given that this isn't a film meant to take seriously it does actually work in the movies favour. There's just enough ham in the delivery that makes the film work but doesn't delve into self-parody.

The premise is rather simple: sex columnist Cassie returns to her small town that she was shamed out of town years ago, and in order to prove that the town isn't as dull as Cassie has described it as (in the article that made her famous) her old teenage rival wants Cassie to help plan an orgy. Of course several people have their own reasons for wanting to be in the orgy, and the natural awkwardness is what drives like half the plot.

Again, this is a very Canadian film. There's just something innately funny about the way people try to be polite about describing the "stank" of an orgy. I can see how this type of comedy might fall flat if you expected a film with this title to be more vulgar -- the laughs do come from a place of niceness.

Helping matters is that the ensemble is rather strong. The entire cast fit their roles perfectly; no one is acting outside their comfort zone. Jewel Staite really does nail the role of Cassie, and it helps that she is so naturally easy to root for no matter what role she plays. Every character is rather one-note but their notes are solid. Bonus points for having Katharine Isabelle not be wasted in this movie.

It's a small film with a simple premise, don't go expecting anything more. If the trivia is to be believed it was filmed in just over 2-weeks, mostly in a few houses that are close to each other. Pay attention to the title!

I'd say definitely give this a watch if you just want to laugh at the natural awkwardness that comes from trying to plan an orgy with people who are completely alien to the concept, or are a fan of any of the actors involved. It may take awhile for the ultimate "climax" but the ride is enjoyable.

That's ok. We all agree on that one: the first 15 minutes are very boring, just blabla and snail pace. But instead of moving to another flick, I remained on it because this kind of indie always deserve attention. And especially if there is some kind of orgy involved.

After the uninteresting introduction, as we know more about the town and the characters, it gets more and more interesting. Because at some point, many of us want to know how this thing happen, and what/how we would handle such a case.

No matter what you read here, it is funny. The mayor is funny. The lead is not really, but she has the kind of thing that makes us want to go til the end.

And...there is Kat Isabelle, of course. With her lingerie, she steals the show.

What is good is despite the nonsense of the beginning and the ending, the movie remains somewhat realistic, because organizing such a party with friends is never innocent. So is it worth trying?

I see the bad reviews, and I guess I'm off the mark. I thought it was adorable. A wonderfully awkward depiction of a taboo that has probably happened!

You have to be from a small town to really understand I guess, having lived in one, and still knowing friends that live in them, this was a little walk down memory lane to the people and places of my youth.

I thought it was a good little Canadian film, with solid performances.