Watch The Perfect Vagina

The Perfect Vagina is a thought-provoking and insightful documentary that explores the female perception of beauty standards and how it has been dictated, in part, by the expectations of the porn industry. The film follows journalist and presenter Lisa Rogers, as she embarks on a personal journey to examine her own feelings about her genitals and the wider cultural attitudes towards female genitalia. She starts her investigation by interviewing different women, including porn actresses, feminist activists, sex bloggers, and experts in psychology and cosmetic surgery.

What emerges from these interviews is a complex picture of how the media and the society at large have internalized the idea that there is a "perfect" way for a woman's vagina to look like. This belief is perpetuated by adult films, magazines, and the internet, which often present a narrow and unrealistic vision of female genitalia, emphasizing concepts such as tightness, neatness, and symmetry.

Rogers delves into the realm of cosmetic surgery, where she interviews women who have undergone labiaplasty, a surgical procedure that reshapes the labia minora and majora. Many of these women explain that they felt self-conscious and insecure about their genitals, either because of bullying or because they believed they did not conform to the ideal. The film examines the risks and benefits of such surgery, the psychological implications, and the potential impact on sexual pleasure.

The Perfect Vagina also takes a broad look at the history of female genital aesthetics, from ancient Greece to Victorian England to contemporary times. It highlights how different cultures have interpreted and fetishized female genitalia, often using it as a symbol of sexuality, fertility, and power.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the way it challenges the male gaze, which has traditionally defined the parameters of what is considered attractive and desirable in women. The film argues that women should have agency over their own bodies and be able to choose how they want to look and feel, without external pressure or shame.

The Perfect Vagina is a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of a complex and taboo subject. It does not shy away from the uncomfortable questions or the difficult emotions that arise when examining our relationship with our bodies. However, it also manages to infuse moments of humor and camaraderie, as Rogers and her interviewees share their personal stories and experiences.

Overall, The Perfect Vagina is an impactful documentary that raises awareness about an issue that has been often overlooked and undervalued. It encourages a more honest and empathetic conversation about female sexuality and identity, and it celebrates the diversity and beauty of women in all their shapes and forms.