Revving Up The Heat: Unveiling the Timeless Classics in Sex Education

Summary

The presence of cars from the 1980s and 1990s in Sex Education, despite the show's contemporary setting, creates a juxtaposition of modernity and nostalgia, prompting viewers to question the series' timeline.

The intentional incorporation of vintage vehicles is a deliberate choice that contributes to the show's "heightened world." Drawing inspiration from American teen genre tropes, it seeks to evoke the nostalgic visual aesthetics reminiscent of iconic films from the 1980s.

Sex Education skillfully merges elements of American and British teen culture, evident through its setting, wardrobe, and props, in order to captivate a worldwide audience. The deliberately vague timeline and vibrant visuals further elevate the overall viewing experience.

Sex Education exudes a vintage charm, and the cars showcased on the Netflix show are no exception. As we dive into the final season, it's fascinating to ponder the visual and practical elements that contribute to the series' unique style, including the vehicles. Sex Education, a teenage comedy-drama, follows the journey of Otis and his fellow British students at Moordale as they grapple with the challenges of adolescence, sexuality, and relationships. Despite being set in the present day, Sex Education elegantly blends modernity with a nostalgic aesthetic.

While Otis and his best friend, Eric, typically rely on bicycles for transportation, there are several recurring cars in Sex Education that often leave viewers pondering the show's puzzling timeline. Despite the Netflix series incorporating contemporary technology, the cars featured in Sex Education appear to be from the 1980s or 1990s. Memorable examples include Eric's dad's 1983 Austin Maestro, Jean's Mercedes W123 200T Estate, and a mid-1990s convertible Mk3 VW Golf Cabriolet. These vehicles, juxtaposed against the show's apparent present-day setting, raise intriguing questions.

Sex Education's Old Cars Are Part Of Its Heightened World

The intentional juxtaposition between more vintage and modern elements in Sex Education is a deliberate choice. Show creator Laurie Nunn drew inspiration from American films and TV shows she loved while growing up. This blending of British and American settings goes beyond just the types of cars used, extending to how they are used as well. It's worth noting that some students at Moordale drive, even though the legal driving age in Britain is 17, unlike in many parts of America where it's 16.

Nunn and show director Ben Taylor share a love for the American teen genre and aimed to pay homage to classic 1980s John Hughes' movies like The Breakfast Club. Nunn explained that the heightened nature of the show's premise, with a teenager giving out sex advice in a bathroom stall, called for a world that matched that heightened reality. By combining elements from different eras and cultures, such as props and an Americanized setting against a British backdrop, the show creates a fictional world that enhances its exploratory and liberal storylines.

What Other Parts Of Sex Education's World & Timeline Are Confusing

Aside from the cars, other visual cues raise questions about the setting of Sex Education. The scenes in Moordale take place in England and are filmed in Wales, but the school itself mirrors the aesthetic of American high schools from the 1980s and 1990s with its hallway lockers and personalized character clothing. This contrasts with the "fluorescent strip lights and dull, gray uniforms" typically seen in British teen shows, as noted by Taylor. Some students, like Jackson, even wear Letterman jackets, a common symbol of American jocks. Additionally, while the phones in the show are modern, the use of social media is surprisingly sparse, further contributing to the confusion surrounding the timeline. Furthermore, references to pop culture from after the 1990s are scattered throughout the seasons.

That being said, the mixture of American and British teen culture through the clothing, setting, and props allows Sex Education to cater to a broader international audience without alienating them. Considering the widespread influence of American content, the show leans into familiar tropes that are recognizable to viewers worldwide. This expanded reach allows Sex Education to appeal to a wider range of viewers outside of the UK. Despite tackling difficult topics such as trauma and sexual assault, the vibrant visuals and ambiguous timeline create a unique world that enhances the overall experience of watching the show.

Source: LADBible