THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS is a Hedonistic Disaster
By Movieguide® Contributor
THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS is a 2021 ensemble romantic comedy series on HBO Max. Set at the fictional Essex University in Vermont, four young women experience their first semester of campus life. They explore their sexual desires and hook up with multiple men. At the same time, the four roommates work desperately to keep their public reputations intact. This HBO Max Original was created by Mindy Kaling, a cast member on NBC’s THE OFFICE.
THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS is an endurance test of one’s patience. It is filled with amateur writing, juvenile melodrama and dubious moral values. The cast might be talented and the production values are adequate. Yet, such positive qualities cannot salvage its obnoxiously “woke” commentary. MOVIEGUIDE(R) advises mature audiences to avoid this TV-MA disaster.
The plot of COLLEGE GIRLS follows four ambitious 18-year-old women who share a dorm together. Their leader is Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet), a booksmart barista who is excited to lose her virginity. The second member is Bela (Amrit Kaur), an aspiring comedy writer who fights for a position in the school newspaper. The third member is Leighton (Reneé Rapp), an affluent blonde who is secretly attracted to other women. The final member is Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott), a spunky activist who is at odds with her strict state senator mother.
To give the show credit, the cast members elevate their otherwise two-dimensional roles. The four leading actresses display good comedic timing and share a believable friendship. They support each other through hardship, despite their rampant infidelity. Even the side characters match the spontaneity and irrational mannerisms of actual young adults. In spite of the ludicrous and juvenile “sex” scenes, the actors do a good job externalizing their personal struggles.
Throughout the first season, each woman balances her academic goals while pursuing a sexually active lifestyle. The group attends wild parties, consumes alcohol, and makes love to a wide range of boyfriends. As the plot progresses, the group’s juvenile behavior takes a toll on their exam scores, their peers, and their friendship. Despite the rampant promiscuity, their immoral actions are frequently “affirmed” and rewarded by the narrative.
In terms of worldview, hedonism engulfs almost every minute of COLLEGE GIRLS. The four roommates engage with underage drinking, swearing, and various sensual pleasures. They utter the “F” word constantly. The series glorifies sensual gratification and immoral adult conduct. To start, characters gloat about their “intimate” acts. Whitney falls in love with the Essex soccer coach and does everything in her power to keep the affair a secret.
In one episode, Kimberly and Bela attend a “nude party” and briefly see topless cohorts. During the “intimate” love scenes, the characters are always wearing undergarments. The raunchier “acts” are always implied onscreen. The male students are frequently shown shirtless and sweaty. The four women always gawk at their tight muscles and openly discuss how attractive they are.
Moreover, the characters participate in infidelity and academic dishonesty. A boyfriend of the group admits he is cheating behind his wife’s back. Leighton refuses to tell her friends she is dating another college woman. In a subplot, Kimberly steals a test answer book, cheats on an exam, and eventually gets caught. Leighton throws a wine bottle at the Essex statue and gets punished with 100 hours of community service.
With all the “drama” explored thus far, one would think the characters would mature as more virtuous people. That is not the case. The dramatic scenes are as emotionally complex as a middle school play. The “tension” is weightless at best and the “sex” jokes are excessive at worst. The Essex women do not grow beyond the surface level, and barely change by the series finale.
To prove its “cultural relevance,” COLLEGE GIRLS injects itself with vapid “woke” commentary. The characters discuss “sex positivity,” fighting back against the university’s “patriarchy,” and solidifying one’s identity in college. In one episode, Leighton meets Tova (Vico Ortiz), a spunky female student who identifies as “non-binary.” Leighton has a brief disagreement with Tova, but both women quickly overcome their differences. Tova is relegated to “token minority” status and barely contributes to the overall narrative.
In conclusion, THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS is a poor attempt at being a romantic comedy. The performances are excellent, and the cinematography is competent. However, the show is drunk on pleasure-first values, endless melodrama, and vapid progressive commentary. The characters surround themselves with underage drinking, academic dishonesty, and promiscuous behavior. MOVIEGUIDE(R) advises that mature audiences avoid this STD of a program.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
