Sexual Healing unfolds as a poignant exploration of intimacy, disability, and societal expectations through the compelling journey of Evelien. Born with spasticity, Evelien courageously challenges societal norms and confronts her own biases in a quest to reclaim sexual pleasure. The film delicately captures her nuanced dance between sexual curiosity, self-knowledge, and self-esteem, highlighting the complexities of sexual power and autonomy.
Evelien's journey serves as a universal reflection on the necessity of intimate contact for every human being, urging society to engage in conversations often silenced. Through vulnerability and resilience, Sexual Healing offers a profound testament to the right of every individual, regardless of ability, to claim their sexual agency.
Sexual Healing is a multifaceted documentary with a penchant for artistry, just like its subject, Eveline: On her own and with the occasional assistance of her part-time caretaker, Eveline paints expressive abstract art. Sexual Healing plays out in a similar fashion. In between fly-on-the-wall documentation and short interviews, we see Eveline rolling down the street in her wheelchair lost in thought, intimate moments with caregivers, or tight shots of her nervous face as she enters a sex toy shop for the first time.
This intriguing documentary highlights the intersection of disability and sexuality, of disabled people seeking sexual intimacy in a society that infantilizes and devalues them. Many have become used to some forms of intimacy through assisted living, unable to bathe or use the toilet without some form of assistance, yet—like just about any person—they have a deep desire to share their bodies with others as sexual beings that is denied to them by various means.
Using Eveline as a case study, Sexual Healing gives viewers a glimpse into a vastly underexplored world of disabled sexuality. Those seeking a disability or sexuality title they can really dig their teeth into will want to see this documentary.
What type of college instructor could use this title?
Women’s studies, disability studies, and sexual studies would be best able to use Sexual Healing as a classroom resource.
What kind of film series could use this title?
Any series about disability or sexuality would be a perfect fit for Sexual Healing.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
DVD - $375, DSL - $450, DVD + DSL - $475