Watch Virtual Sexuality

In the year 1999, the British comedy "Virtual Sexuality" graced the screens with its quirky take on teen sexuality and technology. Directed by Nick Hurran, the movie centers around the curious Stef (Laura Fraser) who, after experiencing a frustrating and embarrassing encounter with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Chris (Luke de Lacey), decides to explore her sexuality virtually.

Using a self-help program created by her friend, Lance (Rupert Penry-Jones), called "Perfect Partner," Stef programs a virtual lover for herself. However, things take a turn for the unexpected as the virtual lover, known as "Jake" (Ben Chaplin), begins to develop a life of his own. Surprising Stef with his personality and ability to manifest in the real world in the form of various men, Jake raises the question of whether technology can replace human connection or if it is all just a game.

The movie takes a fascinating approach to the questions of modern sex and technological advances, revealing how dangerous things can get when sexual self-discovery and feelings of inadequacy lead to actions that are not fully thought through. This is particularly evident when Stef's Jake interacts with her real-life crush, Ben (Kieran O'Brien), creating an impossible love triangle that threatens to spiral out of control.

Despite tackling complex issues, "Virtual Sexuality" manages to create an entertaining and light-hearted experience for viewers. The humor is sometimes risqué, but it never veers into distasteful territory. Instead, the comedy is grounded in the difficulties of growing up and sexual inexperience, allowing viewers to empathize with Stef as she navigates these tricky waters.

One of the standout performances in the movie is that of Laura Fraser as Stef. Her portrayal of the awkward, curious, and self-deprecating character is spot-on, capturing the struggles of those who feel left out in the social world of adolescence. Fraser manages to make the character relatable to audiences, even as she embarks on a wild experiment with technology that could put her in harm's way.

Her co-stars, Rupert Penry-Jones as Lance and Luke de Lacey as Chris, manage to elevate their characters beyond the stereotypical best friend and ex-boyfriend, respectively. While Lance's love for computer programming may seem obsessive, his goofy charm and endearing loyalty make him an important ally for Stef. Chris is similarly well-rounded, capturing the heartache and longing of a teen breakup without falling into the trap of caricature.

Despite being almost 20 years old now, "Virtual Sexuality" has aged well, primarily due to its willingness to confront the questions that have continued to plague increasing technological advancements in human interaction. The movie's stance on how technology should be used to enhance human connections rather than replace them is evident throughout, making its message one that is still relevant today.

In conclusion, "Virtual Sexuality" is a fascinating and entertaining movie that provides viewers with an apt mix of humor, romance, and technological intrigue. Laura Fraser delivers a memorable portrayal of a young woman searching for love beyond the bounds of normalcy. With an added bonus of quirky characters and a unique take on the intersection of technology and the human experience, this movie has all the elements necessary to engage audiences, making it well worth a watch.