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Trouble with Sex

Name: Trouble with Sex
Director: Fintan Connolly
Released: 2005
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2005

Director

Fintan Connolly

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Trouble with Sex is a character-driven drama that prioritizes emotional and intellectual autonomy over broad demographic representation. It successfully challenges traditional gender hierarchies by giving the female protagonist significant narrative momentum and control over her life. However, the film is limited by its localized setting, resulting in a lack of racial and LGBTQ+ diversity. The narrative remains centered on a specific, homogeneous demographic within the Dublin landscape. Ultimately, the film functions as a postmodern exploration of intimacy. It trades wide-scale social diversity for a deep, nuanced study of individual discontentment and the deconstruction of traditional social norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does Trouble with Sex have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film centers on a heterosexual relationship between Michelle and Conor, exploring sexual identity while critiquing the stability of straight-centered relationships. However, it does not explicitly depict non-straight or non-cisgender identities.

How does Trouble with Sex portray gender?

Good

Michelle is a high-achieving lawyer who drives the narrative through her own choices and actions. The film challenges traditional passive female roles by focusing on her professional success and personal autonomy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Trouble with Sex?

Limited

Set in Dublin, the film features a predominantly white, Anglo-Saxon cast reflecting the local demographics. It does not actively seek to include diverse racial backgrounds.

How does Trouble with Sex represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story offers a critical view of traditional institutions, such as the patriarchal Dublin pub, leaning towards a secular, individualistic worldview rather than religious frameworks.

Does Trouble with Sex include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not focus on visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative emphasizes interpersonal romantic dynamics.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by centering the professional success and personal autonomy of the female protagonist.
Provides a nuanced, critical look at traditional patriarchal and familial structures.
Explores complex themes of sexual autonomy and individualistic morality.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Features a lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the Dublin setting.
Does not address visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

A sexy romantic drama in which, at the outset, the characters are leading their own lives in very different worlds, though each is beset by niggling discontentment. Michelle (Renée Weldon - IFTA Best Actress) is a fast-rising young Dublin lawyer with a smart apartment overlooking the Liffey, but dissatisfied in her relationship with a doctor (Declan Conlon). Conor (Aidan Gillen) is lonely and unattached, dutifully running the traditional Dublin pub owned by his hard drinking father (Eamon Morrissey). Late one night, Michelle bursts into the bar and orders a triple vodka. The consequences are explored and developed with an honesty and credibility as these disparate characters tentatively draw closer to each other. They become lovers. There is a strong sexual attraction. But there are complications along the way and the path to love can be rocky. Something's got to give. And what's the trouble with sex? You'll see...

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