The 2006 indie film Shortbus has gained a loyal fanbase for its raw and honest portrayal of intimacy, offering a different perspective on sex and human connection. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it stood out for its real, unsimulated sex scenes and its exploration of relationships in post-9/11 New York City.
Written and directed by John Cameron Mitchell, the film uses sex as a way for characters to connect emotionally in a world still reeling from tragedy. The film features a sexual salon in Brooklyn, inspired by underground gatherings happening at the time. These events were the backdrop for the story’s characters, who were each on their own journey of self-discovery.
Shortbus is known for its unconventional casting process. The team reviewed about 500 tapes from actors responding to an open call. Eventually, 40 people were invited to a chemistry reading, which led to the casting of nine stars, even before the script was written.
The film’s title comes from the fictional salon that the protagonist, Sofia Lin, visits to try to find pleasure in her life. Sofia, played by Sook-Yin Lee, is a sex therapist who is stuck in a dull marriage. Encouraged by her patients, she explores her own sexuality and strikes up friendships with several characters, including a dominatrix named Severin.
While Shortbus received mixed reviews, it still managed to make an impact. Some praised its heartwarming story, while others found the improvised acting less appealing. It currently holds a 69% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the divided opinions, the film was re-released in 2022 and has since developed a cult following.
Critic Mark Harris questions if the film would be made today, given the cultural shifts since its release. He believes the movie’s raw optimism and focus on human connection make it feel out of place in today’s world. Harris highlights that the messiness of sex is what makes the film stand out.
Shortbus continues to be a reflection of a time when intimacy was explored with boldness and authenticity.