This summer has seen a wave of women embracing their freedom, particularly when it comes to their fashion choices. The presence of nudity in our media has ignited countless discussions, from the bold debut of “The Idol” in June to the unexpected nudity in “Oppenheimer” that caused interpersonal turmoil (as seen on a viral TikTok video). In each instance, the underlying theme seems to be liberation. It may not necessarily align with de Beauvoir’s definition, but rather represents a female character’s escape from various forms of confinement, whether societal, cultural, or personal. The nudity serves as a reflection of this newfound freedom.
Depending on the context of the story, the director’s intention, the perspective of the work, or the execution of the shot, a nude scene can serve as a symbol of a character’s physical or spiritual liberation, or even an emotional or psychological breakthrough. However, it can also just be a ploy to shock the audience. Below, we explore some of the most gratuitous and unforgettable nude scenes of the summer, analyzing which ones successfully showcase the female form with purpose and intention, rather than simply viewing it as eye candy.
Consistent nudity can make for an unsatisfying television experience.
In “The Idol,” a troubled pop star named Jocelyn constantly finds herself in a state of partial undress. It’s difficult to choose just one nude scene from this disastrous TV show. In the first few minutes of the first episode, we witness Jocelyn in an open silk robe for a photo shoot, arguing with the intimacy coordinator about revealing her breasts. This scene seems less about developing Jocelyn as a character and more about the series attempting to establish itself as lurid television. Jocelyn’s insistence on baring herself is meant to portray her as a liberated woman, in control of her sexuality, body, and image. However, “The Idol” fails to truly understand its own characters or their desires and motivations.
Many viewers wonder if Jocelyn is actually talented. The show’s ambiguous portrayal leaves us uncertain whether she is a genuine artist or simply an inept seller of mass-market schlock. We also question how much control Jocelyn really has, as she appears to be manipulated by Tedros, the enigmatic club owner. Jocelyn’s wardrobe choices, which never seem to include casual, comfortable clothes, suggest that she is trapped in a perpetual cycle of objectification by the public and those around her.
Towards the end of the show, a messy plot twist suggests that Jocelyn may have been the evil mastermind all along. Just as the show can’t decide between a docile starlet and an undercover operator, it can’t reconcile a celebrity with both complete agency and a desire to please everyone’s expectations of her appearance. With the show’s cancellation, Jocelyn’s career seems doomed, with no Tedros to resurrect it.
Nudity takes a backseat in the midst of a naked brawl.
“No Hard Feelings” follows the story of Maddie, a crass and socially awkward thirty-something who is strapped for cash and responds to an unusual ad from a wealthy couple. They seek a woman to date and deflower their 19-year-old son, Percy. Maddie’s attempts at seduction are repeatedly thwarted in the most absurd ways, but she eventually develops a genuine connection with Percy.
During a skinny-dipping session at the beach, Maddie and Percy encounter some bullies who try to steal their belongings. Maddie emerges from the water fully nude, leading to an NSFW fight sequence that ensues.
“No Hard Feelings” takes a classic romance trope and subverts it, focusing on absurd physical comedy rather than seduction. The scene, featuring a memorable crotch punch, works because of Jennifer Lawrence’s commitment to this juvenile and creepy entry into the realm of raunchy sex comedies. The camera captures the scene respectfully, without lingering on Lawrence’s body. Her nudity serves as a vehicle for comedy rather than objectification. Rather than appearing desirable to Percy, she pummels the intruders so thoroughly that her attempt at seduction is undermined.
Miranda’s character deserves better treatment.
In the second season of the sequel to “Sex and the City,” Miranda grapples with strained family relationships while exploring her sexual identity. However, “And Just Like That…” struggles to write its characters into a new world of sex, relationships, and dating. The show takes a more conservative approach when portraying sex, making Miranda’s two full-frontal nude scenes in the first episode all the more surprising.
As a beloved character that many fans read as coded gay, Miranda embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she meets Che, a queer nonbinary comedian. In the first scene, part of a season-opening montage, Miranda is the only cast member shown naked from the waist up in a pool with Che. Initially, the montage places the queer romance on equal footing with the cisgender heterosexual relationships, but the moment of nudity feels unnecessary, drawing attention to Miranda and Che in a way that seems almost self-congratulatory.
Miranda struggles to adapt to a new relationship, sexuality, and lifestyle, as shown in the second scene where she attempts a sensory deprivation tank with Che. Unable to relax, Miranda panics and stumbles out of the tank, naked and disoriented. This depiction reinforces her fish-out-of-water experience, a theme that extends to other scenes where she struggles with a sex toy in the bedroom. In these nude scenes and others, Miranda’s nascent sexual liberation is defined by mishaps and naiveté, seeing her character serve as a source of comedy.
Miranda’s story arc has been the least forgiving, as her journey of self-discovery comes at the expense of her dignity and relationships. “And Just Like That…” aims to represent diverse women, particularly middle-aged women with varied bodies, backgrounds, and sexual orientations. Unfortunately, the show uses an older woman’s body as a punchline instead of empowering her.
A well-placed tattoo adds comedic value.
In “Joy Ride,” Audrey, an Asian American lawyer raised by white parents, embarks on a business trip to China that turns into a wild vacation filled with sex, drugs, and misadventures, thanks to her friends Lolo, Kat, and Deadeye. During one outing, Audrey finds herself in a threesome with two attractive basketball players. In another scene, a wardrobe malfunction reveals Kat’s secret genital tattoo.
This movie’s charm lies in its dedication to the girlfriends-gone-wild comedy genre. Despite its formulaic setups and predictable emotional resolutions, the film entertains through its absurdity. One of the recurring themes is the importance of being true to oneself, and the nude scenes align perfectly with this idea.
Audrey’s emotional journey revolves around her reluctance to confront her birth mother and embrace her cultural heritage. Her friends, Lolo, Kat, and Deadeye, encourage her to let loose and explore her desires. The nudity in these scenes serves as a representation of their authenticity and fearlessness. The focus is not on Audrey’s body, but on the comedic situations that arise. Her sexuality is incidental; instead, she becomes a strong, comical force that defies societal norms.
In conclusion, these summer TV shows and movies have utilized nudity to varying degrees of success. While some effectively showcase female liberation, others fall into the trap of objectification or comedic punchlines. It is crucial for creators to handle nudity with intention and respect, using it as a tool to empower and elevate the stories they tell.
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