Netflix's Sex Education: A Modern Take on Adolescent Awkwardness That Will Leave You Begging for More!

Netflix's Sex Education may appear to have a unique storyline, but it surprisingly shares many similarities with a forgotten 2007 film starring Robert Downey Jr. The show is set in Moordale High, where socially awkward teenager Otis gains valuable knowledge about sexual health and well-being from his sex therapist mother. Using this knowledge, Otis teams up with street-smart Maeve to start a sex clinic in an abandoned washroom at school. While their venture gains popularity initially, it eventually descends into chaos.

Although Sex Education may not accurately reflect the day-to-day experiences of high school students, it excels in using its comic setting as a way to explore serious themes such as sexual identity, consent, communication, inclusivity, and mental well-being. The show's mature and universally relatable approach to these topics sets it apart, making it a one-of-a-kind series. However, a 2007 film starring Robert Downey Jr. had already tackled similar themes and storylines.

How Netflix's Sex Education Mirrors Charlie Bartlett

Similar to Sex Education, the 2007 film Charlie Bartlett centers around an awkward teenager's attempt to fit in at his new school by assuming the role of a resident psychologist. Like Otis' sex therapy, Bartlett's actions also lead to popularity and even a romantic relationship with the headmaster's daughter (Kat Dennings). However, complications arise when Charlie clashes with the headmaster (Robert Downey Jr.). Just as Otis' therapy sessions spark a protest and the headmaster's dismissal at Moordale High, Charlie's antics have similarly grave consequences.

Consequently, what initially begins as a small entrepreneurial venture for the two teenagers transforms them into formidable protagonists who challenge the authority figures in their school. By shedding new light on teenage sexuality and mental well-being, both defy conventional approaches to education. While Netflix's Sex Education may occasionally delve into more serious themes, the show, like the movie, skillfully uses a combination of comedy and genuine coming-of-age drama to deliver an informative and captivating storyline.

Sex Education Shows Where Charlie Bartlett Went Wrong

The subtle contrasts between the show and the movie highlight why Netflix's Sex Education succeeds, while Charlie Bartlett falls short. Unlike Charlie Bartlett, Sex Education fearlessly embraces risks and edginess in its portrayal of taboo subjects. Additionally, the movie format of Charlie Bartlett, confined to a 90-minute runtime, prevents it from exploring the depth of its overarching themes, leaving it no different from typical coming-of-age films. In contrast, Sex Education cleverly applies the Charlie Bartlett formula throughout its first two seasons, effectively tackling a wide range of issues relating to sexual health, identity, and teenage mental well-being.