Casual Sex?

Casual Sex?

Year: 1988

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Geneviève Robert

RomanceComedy

Stacy and Melissa search for the world’s most endangered species: the perfect man. They vacation at a resort hoping for a change of pace and to meet nice men. When they fail to find ideal partners, they are forced to reassess their expectations and attitudes toward men in general.

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Timeline & Setting – Casual Sex? (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Casual Sex? (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The film unfolds in the late 1980s, a period marked by heightened awareness of the AIDS crisis and evolving attitudes toward sex and dating. Conversations about health, trust, and commitment shape the characters’ decisions at the Oasis. The social climate of the era influences how casually or seriously characters approach relationships and intimacy.

Location

The Oasis Health Spa, New Jersey, Los Angeles

The Oasis Health Spa serves as the central setting where single guests pursue romance and connection through themed events. It functions as a social microcosm for Stacy, Melissa, and their fellow guests, highlighting the era’s dating rituals and the search for meaningful partners. The story also follows cross-country movement, with Stacy returning home to New Jersey and Vinny traveling from New Jersey to California to reconnect, framing the journey around relationships that evolve beyond a single location.

🏖️ Spa 🗺️ Travel

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:49

Main Characters – Casual Sex? (1988)

Meet the key characters of Casual Sex? (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Stacy (Lea Thompson)

Stacy is a woman with a promiscuous past who, after learning about the AIDS epidemic, seeks a 'clean' man. She plans a trip to The Oasis to find a trustworthy partner and navigates flirtation, disappointment, and self-discovery. By the end, she reassesses what she wants in a relationship and returns home with a clearer sense of her own needs.

💖 Romance 🧭 Growth 🤝 Independence

Nick (Stephen Shellen)

A struggling musician who captivates Stacy but reveals vulnerabilities and insecurities. His relationship with Stacy includes a kiss and a performance, but the connection doesn’t endure as Stacy and others re-evaluate their true desires. He represents the uncertainty that can accompany romantic pursuit.

🎵 Music 💘 Romance 🧭 Growth

Vinny (Andrew Dice Clay)

An outspoken Italian-American from New Jersey who initially clashes with Stacy. Over time, he reveals a capacity for honesty and growth about relationships, ultimately altering his view of love and commitment. His cross-country journey to see Stacy marks a turning point in his personal development.

🎭 Comedy 💖 Romance 🧭 Growth

Jamie (Jerry Levine)

Spa staff member who develops an apparent liking for Melissa and helps her reconnect with her desires. Jamie acts as a catalyst for Melissa’s emotional journey and the shifting dynamics at the Oasis.

🎭 Drama 💞 Friendship

Melissa (Victoria Jackson)

Stacy’s prudish childhood friend who experiences her own awakening. She explores possibilities with Matthew but ultimately bonds with Jamie and begins a new chapter in her personal life.

💞 Friendship 🧭 Growth

Matthew (Peter Dvorsky)

A psychologist who meets Melissa at the Oasis. He engages in a casual encounter but stops, indicating a disconnect between attraction and deeper interest, highlighting different approaches to relationships.

🧪 Psychology 💘 Romance

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:49

Major Themes – Casual Sex? (1988)

Explore the central themes of Casual Sex? (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💞 Romance

Romance in the film unfolds as a process of discovery beyond initial attraction. Stacy’s encounters with Nick and Vinny reveal how desires, trust, and expectations influence what people seek in a partner. The narrative tracks whether romance can mature into genuine emotional connection, or if shifting feelings redefine what matters in a relationship.

🤝 Friendship

Friendship acts as a stabilizing force and a source of friction throughout the story. Stacy’s bond with Melissa drives much of the plot, while Melissa’s interactions with Jamie push her toward new independence and self-awareness. The dynamic between friends highlights support, conflict, and growth.

🧭 Growth

Growth is shown through both characters and their views on relationships. Vinny moves from a brash, self-assured outsider to someone capable of vulnerability and reflection about women and love. Stacy learns to reassess her assumptions and ends up prioritizing authenticity and personal happiness over a perfect plan.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:49

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Casual Sex? Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Casual Sex?, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Casual Sex? Summary

Casual Sex? Timeline

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Casual Sex? Timeline

More About Casual Sex?

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