
When it comes to reflecting society’s values, taboos, and fantasies – in a way that is easily accessible for everyone – film has always been the go-to medium. Few topics, however, have sparked as much intrigue, controversy, and debate as sexuality.
Over the decades, cinema has evolved from coy innuendos and whispered suggestions to bold, unapologetic portrayals of desire, identity, and, of course, the human experience. But how has film shaped our understanding of sexuality? And, perhaps more importantly, how has it helped to normalise what was once unmentionable?
A Brief History of Sexuality in Film
The Days of the Hays Code
The early days of cinema were anything but risqué. This was, after all, a time when women weren’t allowed to show their ankles, legs, or bare skin in public.
This brings us to the Hays Code, introduced in the 1930s, which strictly regulated on-screen content. This ensured that anything remotely sexual was heavily veiled or outright forbidden. Films like Gone with the Wind (1939) pushed boundaries with a single kiss, yet much was left to the imagination. There were, however, several filmmakers who found creative ways to challenge these constraints. The works they produced subtly—or overtly—defied the Code’s limitations and contributed to its eventual decline.
One notable example is Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious (1946). The film featured a prolonged kissing scene between Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, cleverly circumventing the Code’s rule that limited kisses to no more than three seconds. By having the actors break the kiss every few seconds to speak, Hitchcock never technically violated the Code.
By pushing the boundaries of acceptable content, these kinds of films helped to spark important conversations about censorship, artistic freedom, and the portrayal of sexuality in media.
Hollywood’s Changing Stance on Sexuality
Fast forward to the 1960s and 1970s, and a sexual revolution began to ripple through Hollywood.
Movies like Last Tango in Paris (1972) and Midnight Cowboy (1969) shocked audiences with their explicit exploration of intimacy, albeit often through a lens of suffering or scandal. These films dared to challenge puritanical norms but rarely celebrated sexuality in a healthy, joyful way.
Today, films have taken a more nuanced approach. Sexuality is no longer a side plot or a scandalous undertone; it’s an integral part of character development and storytelling.
Movies like Call Me by Your Name (2017) and Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013) explore the intricacies of love and identity, showing that sexuality is as multifaceted as the people who experience it.
Fetishes, Kinks, and Fifty Shades
One of the most significant shifts in the portrayal of sexuality is the normalisation of fetishes and kinks, with films like Secretary (2002) leading the charge. Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader, Secretary explores the dynamic between a submissive secretary and her dominant boss, weaving a narrative that balances sensuality, humour, and emotional depth.
Unlike many other films, Secretary handles BDSM with nuance, focusing on the consensual and deeply personal connection between its protagonists. It paved the way for more conversations about kink, portraying it not as deviant or abusive but as a valid and fulfilling form of intimacy.
Fast-forward to Fifty Shades of Grey (2015), a blockbuster that catapulted BDSM into mainstream consciousness, albeit with a glossy Hollywood veneer that many found unrealistic. While the franchise received criticism for its portrayal of power dynamics and lack of authenticity, its cultural impact is undeniable. By bringing kink into the limelight, Fifty Shades opened the door for discussions about consent, communication, and desire on a broader scale.
To gain insight from someone immersed in the world of BDSM, we spoke to One Park Lane Models, a provider of high-class London escorts. One of their top dominatrix companions, Francesca, shared her thoughts:
“While Fifty Shades may have helped open the door for conversations about BDSM, it’s far from accurate. The film focuses too heavily on power dynamics and not enough on the trust, communication, and mutual pleasure that come with it. So yes, while it failed to capture the emotional depth and intimacy of these kinds of relationships, it’s good that more people are talking about it!”
Sexual Representation & Identity on Screen
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters has also seen a dramatic evolution over the years. In the early days, queer characters were often relegated to tragic figures or comic relief, if they were acknowledged at all. Films like The Boys in the Band (1970) and Philadelphia (1993) began to shift the narrative, though they often focused on suffering and societal rejection.
Today, LGBTQ+ stories are more diverse and celebratory. Moonlight (2016), for instance, won the Academy Award for Best Picture, a landmark moment for queer cinema. The film’s tender exploration of Black masculinity and queer identity resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Similarly, Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) captures the intensity and fragility of forbidden love, proving that sexuality can be portrayed with both rawness and elegance.
However, there’s still work to be done. Bisexuality, for instance, remains underrepresented or misunderstood, often dismissed as a “phase” in narratives. Transgender characters, too, are frequently portrayed by cisgender actors, sparking debates about authenticity and opportunity in Hollywood.
What About the More ‘Hard-Hitting’ Subjects?
Cinema has a unique ability to confront societal taboos head-on, and sexuality is no exception. Films like The Piano Teacher (2001) and Shame (2011) delve into the darker aspects of human desire, exploring themes like addiction, repression, and the impact of trauma.
Then there are films that use sexuality to address broader societal issues. Brokeback Mountain (2005) is as much a critique of societal homophobia as it is a love story. Similarly, The Handmaiden (2016) weaves eroticism with a critique of colonialism and class dynamics, proving that sexuality can be a powerful lens through which to examine larger cultural forces.
The Role of Women in Sexual Narratives
Historically, female sexuality was often depicted through a male gaze, with women serving as objects of desire rather than autonomous beings. But times are changing. Films like The Love Witch (2016) and Promising Young Woman (2020) have changed the game, presenting female sexuality as a source of power and agency.
Even mainstream films like Bridesmaids (2011) and Booksmart (2019) feature women openly discussing and embracing their desires, breaking the mould of modesty that dominated earlier portrayals. These shifts reflect a broader cultural movement toward recognising women’s sexual agency, both on and off-screen.
So What Does the Future Hold?
As society becomes more open and accepting, the portrayal of sexuality in film continues to evolve. With streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime taking risks on boundary-pushing content, we’re seeing more diverse stories than ever before.
So here’s to the films yet to be made – the ones that will continue to push boundaries, break barriers, and celebrate the beauty of being unapologetically human.