How to Have Sex

As Tara, Em, and Skye arrive at the sun-drenched resort of Malia on the stunning Greek island of Crete, they are on the cusp of a summer filled with self-discovery and liberation. Each young woman stands on the brink of adulthood, eager to embrace a rite-of-passage holiday that vows to be the most unforgettable experience of their lives. For Tara, this trip carries special significance as she wrestles with the pressure to keep pace with her friends’ more adventurous romantic exploits. In contrast, Em is keen to exchange her innocence for a taste of newfound freedom, while Skye grapples with her own inner desires and insecurities.

As the evening descends, the air is tinged with laughter and the sounds of music. The girls encounter Badger, a charming neighbor whose warm smile quickly captivates Tara from the balcony of their hotel room. As they mingle with him and his friend Paddy, the lines demarcating friendship and attraction begin to blur. Em’s flirtation with one of Badger’s other buddies serves as a stark contrast to Skye’s snide remarks about Tara’s virginity, provoking Tara’s growing anxiety. Despite her initial reservations, Tara finds herself drawn to Badger, who appears to genuinely care for her.

However, when Tara inadvertently discovers Badger’s involvement in a risqué game at an outdoor club, her infatuation quickly transforms into disillusionment and discomfort. Instead of remaining, she takes off with Paddy, who convinces her to join him at the beach under the guise of a romantic evening. Although hesitant at first, Tara eventually yields to Paddy’s advances, only to awaken the following morning tormented and filled with uncertainty.

As Em and Badger grow increasingly worried about Tara’s unexplained absence, they eventually track her down at a villa where she had immersed herself in late-night revelries with new acquaintances. The effects of her long night out are evident, but what weighs heavier on Tara are her disappointing exam results, leaving her to confront an uncertain future.

In the chaotic aftermath of this wild adventure, Skye’s gossip escalates regarding Tara’s “new experiences,” spreading rapidly among their circle. Yet, only Em is privy to the deeper struggles Tara faces as she comes to terms with her choices. Meanwhile, Badger emerges as an unexpected confidant for Tara, providing comfort with his gentle demeanor and genuine concern for her well-being. As he helps her reconnect with reality, he departs, leaving Tara to grapple with the repercussions of her decisions in solitude.

As dawn breaks on the final day of their escapade, Tara’s desire for a peaceful morning is interrupted by Paddy’s unexpected romantic encroachment upon her room. Witnessed by the ever-empathetic Badger, the intimate gestures momentarily disturb Tara’s friend, leaving her heartbroken. As the morning progresses, Tara again rebuffs Paddy’s advances, only for him to later engage in sexual acts with her while she is still asleep—his actions indicative of a blatant disregard for her consent. The tender moment quickly transforms when Skye and Badger enter, oblivious to the discomfort that has unfolded.

While preparing to leave the hotel, a swirl of emotions fills the air as the group exchanges heartfelt farewells with fellow travelers. For Tara, however, a conscious decision to distance herself from Paddy accompanies her strained goodbye, reflecting her need to reclaim her agency. At the airport, Skye’s probing inquiries about Tara’s encounters with Paddy push the limits of her comfort, prompting her to retreat into herself.

In a poignant moment of vulnerability, Tara confides in Em, expressing how Paddy took advantage of her by initiating sex while she was asleep. Initially taken aback, Em’s expression softens as she comprehends the gravity of the situation, reassuring Tara that what transpired was definitely not “fine.” As they begin to board the plane back to England, Em makes a heartfelt promise: together, they will tackle their concerns head-on, emerging stronger and united on the other side.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 17:33