Sharp Stick

Sarah Jo, a naive 26-year-old, begins her job caring for Josh and his pregnant wife Heather, while living with her mother Marilyn and sister Treina. Marilyn has a cynical view of love, which influences her daughters' perspectives on relationships. Sarah Jo's daily routine involves her caring for Zach, who has Down syndrome, and navigating her family dynamics.

In the laundry room, Sarah Jo asks Josh if he finds her beautiful, then reveals her surgical scar caused by a radical hysterectomy at age 15. She admits she is a virgin and is nervous about intimacy. Josh responds cautiously, acknowledging her bravery and expressing hesitance about their potential relationship.

After a awkward conversation, Josh asks to kiss Sarah Jo, leading to their first sexual experience where Josh performs cunnilingus and takes her virginity. He ejaculates quickly, feeling embarrassed, but Sarah Jo reassures him. They explore physical intimacy in a vulnerable moment.

The next day, Sarah Jo surprises Josh in the attic and arouses him by lifting her dress. Despite his initial insistence that they should not have sex again, they end up engaging in sex, indicating their growing emotional and physical connection.

Josh takes Sarah Jo on a clandestine trip to a cabin, where they lie about their whereabouts to others. During the weekend, they indulge in hallucinogenic mushrooms, smoke marijuana, and have frequent sex. They also watch pornography together, deepening their bond.

Returning home, Sarah Jo continues watching pornography, becoming particularly intrigued by a performer named Vance Leroy who frequently encourages his co-stars. Her obsession reflects her search for pleasure and validation.

Heather's water breaks, and she goes into labor. Sarah Jo calls Josh to support Heather, but Heather notices Sarah Jo's necklace. When Josh arrives, Heather demands to go to the hospital, and Josh realizes her affair has been uncovered. He becomes emotional and then orders Sarah Jo to leave.

Heartbroken, Sarah Jo writes to Vance Leroy, sharing her scars, insecurities, and her desire to explore her sexuality. She creates a checklist of sexual acts she wants to try, reflecting her effort to find confidence and pleasure amidst her feelings of unworthiness.

Sarah Jo engages in casual flings, including with Arvin who works in pornography and promises to deliver her letter to Vance. She seeks new experiences and attempts to embrace her sexuality, using these encounters as a way to empower herself.

When Sarah Jo surprises Josh and Heather in their driveway, she shares her recent sexual experiences with Josh, running off in an emotional moment. Later, Vance responds to her letter with a video, encouraging her to prioritize her own pleasure instead of seeking approval from others.

Sarah Jo starts a new job caring for a girl with cerebral palsy, seeking a fresh start. One night, she invites Arvin over, and they have sex again, symbolizing her ongoing journey toward sexual self-discovery and independence.