Watchlist

What to watch: Sex Love Venice

Exploring the complexities of intimacy, love, and self-discovery.

Means Happy

31 Jan 2025 — 3 min read

Releasing on Valentine's Day, Sex Love Venice is a film written and directed by Steve Balderson - his 20th film.

Drawing inspiration from his own life experiences - documented in his erotic memoir Year of the Whore - the film adaptation of that story explores the complexities of intimacy, love, and self-discovery through the character of Michael (Daniel Bateman).

After a messy breakup, Michael is numbing his main through anonymous sex while yearning to find deeper intimacy.

At the prompting of his mother (Mink Stole), Michael - and his two best friends - head to Venice for an extended vacation. In Venice, Michael meets Marco (Alexander Ananasso) - together they explore the transformative power of cultivating desire through patience and intention.

“It was a daunting because the real-life experience was so sensorial..." explains Balderson, reflecting on the challenges of adapting his memoir. "Once I figured out how to depict the romantic encounter, the whole idea for the film clicked into place.”

The film explores two foundational themes: transcending judgment and discovering the capacity to find love in everyone we meet.

“These messages are critical, especially in today’s climate where division, blame, and condemnation are rampant, and in a hookup culture where the essence of love is often absent...” explains Balderson. “It’s become a cultural norm to detach feelings from sexual encounters—a misguided notion that devalues the profound connections that define our humanity.”

Shooting on location in Venice, Balderson was able to recreate many of the real-life events that inspired the story.

"It was a bit of a nightmare to find the right actors..." admits Balderson. "But once I met Daniel and watched Alex’s audition, I knew we had the right men."

“My aim is to inspire viewers to let go of judgment, embrace love, and find meaning in every interaction.”

Sex Love Venice debuts in select theaters on Friday, February 14, and will also be available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, YouTube Movies, and various cable platforms.