Contrary to its ballsy title, My Year Without Sex is a humble Australian drama that richly deals with tribulations of life that most Hollywood dramas have in the past deemed too insignificant to be of interest. Yet director/writer Sarah Watt, in her first feature since the similarly themed Look Both Ways, proves that a film which looks at life just how it is served can make for absorbing cinema. That said, those who watch films to escape reality might be wise to steer clear, as the extraordinary remains exactly that. Yet the film’s subtle use of humour, genuinely warming characters and honest observations elevates this compassionate drama beyond the middle-class it so truthfully depicts.

The “my” in the film’s title refers to Natalie (Sacha Horler), a suburban mother of two who is unexpectedly struck down by a brain aneurysm during her pap-smear. Dealt a “yellow card” in life, Natalie is given a list of things she is not allowed to do, the big one being sex. The unlucky man in this scenario is husband Ross (Matt Day), a sound engineer at a local radio station, who is worried that his family won’t be able to stay afloat on his income alone.  Shaken by her near death experience, Natalie begins to ponder what her future holds in this life and the next.

The lack of sex in Natalie and Ross’ marriage is hardly as central to the film as the title makes it out to be. Whilst each month of the year is given its own subtitle with a sexual double meaning, such as ‘missionary position’ and ‘doggy style’, they are mere metaphors for Natalie’s conflict with religion and the family’s acquisition of a pet dog. The challenging question of faith arises after Natalie’s search for guidance sees her befriend the churches’ local curate Margret, who found God after years of rock and roll and substance abuse. Natalie seeks the same warmth Margret gets from the prospect of death, yet struggles to believe in something that cannot be proven. Meanwhile, Ross takes it upon himself to be a more supportive father, yet can seldom get it right in the eyes of Natalie.  The two try and keep their health and financial woes from their kids Louis (Jonathan Segat)  and Ruby (Portia Bradley), who asks if she can exhibit mum’s operational scar at school for show-and-tell. As they push through the challenges each new day presents, the familiarity of the relentless cycle can make for tough viewing. Yet a melodic country soundtrack and clean use of visuals helps to make this a more light-hearted and amicable journey.

Written with such compassion and honesty, it is obvious Sarah Watt holds these characters close to her heart. The challenges they face and questions they ask are ones we are all familiar with, yet are delivered with Watt’s delicate sense of humour that resonates throughout the film.  Watt frequently makes suggestive gestures towards potential plot developments that would make the story more extraordinary, such as winning the lottery or an affair in the workplace. The fact that these don’t eventuate is ultimately what makes the film so extraordinary as it never loses its authenticity. That said, this also sees the film go without a narrative peak, thus  making it feel much longer than it actually is. Some of the characters don’t quite resonate either, such as the curate Margret, who by no real fault of actress Maude Davey is just not that interesting. The remaining characters are delightful, particularly Sacha Horler’s genuine performance as Natalie.  Matt Day earns the sympathy as the supportive husband taking onboard new responsibilities and child stars Portia Bradley and Jonathan Segat show promise of a bright future. Yet the most prominent personality is that of director/writer Sarah Watt, who has crafted a deeply personal film that will win over hearts with its honesty and humility.

Verdict:
My Year Without Sex is a delightfully modest film that overcomes its narrative lulls with authentically crafted characters and astute observations of everyday life.

My Year Without Sex is released in Australia on the 28th May.

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