Sex/Life on Netflix Left Me Frustrated

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“Sex/Life” kicks off like many series exploring women’s midlife crises—complete with flashbacks, a voiceover, and the acknowledgment that life hasn’t unfolded as expected. It resonated with me, making me sit up and take notice. I even texted a friend, “Why does this feel so familiar?”

Unfortunately, that’s where the connection falters. It seems Netflix initially tapped into the feelings many of us experience—questions about identity after motherhood and the struggle to balance past and present selves. Yet, within ten minutes of the first episode, the relatability diminishes.

It’s as though the creators realized they had bitten off more than they could chew. The protagonist, Billie, navigates her current life filled with parenting responsibilities, constantly reminiscing about her past and an old flame, all while being married to what seems like the perfect husband and raising two kids in the suburbs. She was once a successful professional, but now her life revolves around motherhood, as she finds herself fantasizing about a “dangerous” ex during mundane tasks like breastfeeding. This culminates in her writing an online journal, which her husband discovers, leading to awkward attempts to revitalize their intimacy.

While “Sex/Life” attempts to explore the complexities and struggles of losing oneself in motherhood, it oversimplifies the solution to merely “spicing up your sex life.” As a viewer, I can confidently say that this isn’t the answer.

Initially, I thought, “This must have been produced by a man.” But to my surprise, it was created by a woman, Naomi Sinclair. I expected more depth, considering her background with shows like “October Road” and “One Tree Hill.” Curious, I discovered she’s been married for over a decade and has children, which left me puzzled.

Delving deeper, I found that the show is loosely based on BB Easton’s memoir, “44 Chapters About 4 Men.” However, amidst the excessive nudity and exaggerated portrayals, “Sex/Life” becomes difficult to watch. It’s disheartening that Netflix frames this as a conversation about the emotional turmoil many of us face after having children. The reality is that motherhood often transforms us completely, leaving behind our previous selves almost overnight.

I recall thinking, “I’m gone. The person I used to be is just… gone,” and feeling I can’t even mourn that loss because society deems it selfish. Meanwhile, life goes on—there are dishes to wash, kids to care for, and schedules to maintain. Reducing this profound realization to a midlife crisis or a breakdown is regressive, harkening back to a time when dissatisfaction with family life was equated with madness.

While I haven’t finished the series yet, I’m uncertain if I will. Rumor has it SPOILER ALERT Billie runs away, seemingly the only option left for her. It’s disappointing that the narrative suggests she can’t possibly confront her issues or communicate with her husband.

I may add this series to my shelf of unfinished stories, alongside the cringe-worthy “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy. I’m weary of strong women being poorly portrayed in the media, reduced to caricatures of desire. Call it mom porn or smut; I don’t mind, but don’t expect more from it than a superficial exploration of a woman’s rehashed past.

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In summary, “Sex/Life” attempts to explore the struggles of modern motherhood but ultimately falls into clichés and shallow storytelling. The portrayal of women’s experiences in this series is frustrating and fails to address the depth of these issues.


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