A Portrait of an Artist as a Dominatrix
“I Want Your Sex” is a caricature of the art world more than an actually incisive critique, but it’s funner that way.
In the provocative film I Want Your Sex (2026), directed by Gregg Araki, Olivia Wilde takes on the role of Erika Tracy, a contemporary art sensation who also happens to be a dominatrix. Her gallery assistant, Elliott, played by Cooper Hoffman, is a schlubby 23-year-old with a balding head. Erika's relationship with Elliott is characterized by a lack of consent in both their sexual and artistic interactions, leading to a caricature of the art world rather than an insightful critique.
Throughout the movie, Wilde delivers witty one-liners and engages in relationships with other characters, including an unimpressed girlfriend played by Charli xcx. The film also pays homage to David Hockney's "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" (1972) through a scene where a figure stares at a version of themselves floating face-down in a pool, marking a turning point for Elliott's character.
Erika's attitude towards the art world is evident as she questions Elliott, "Contemporary art is a scam, you know that, right?"
Despite not being a memorable film, I Want Your Sex (2026) offers a ridiculous and entertaining ride, showcasing Wilde's performance as a dominant character. The movie screened in select theaters and is widely available for streaming.
Written by urgent.news from Hyperallergic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
