Cooper Hoffman plays a college grad who lands a cool job working for a popular, provocative artist (Olivia Wilde). Almost immediately, she enlists him to become her sexual muse and the kinky begins. While there are occasional comic asides, this isn’t really a comedy. It’s more a smart satire on interpersonal politics, the art world and, of course, sex. Director Gregg Araki has asserted his typically-bold hand in the look and energy, including a few quick animations and surreal flashes. Wilde goes uninhibited, unabashedly “wild” in her creation, while Hoffman’s innocent character shows off his sweet, subtle comic skills. Supporting roles from Johnny Knoxville and Margaret Cho are wasted, while Daveed Diggs is a fun queen. The film is immensely appealing, even though it sometimes struggles to be as sharp as it promised. 3.5 out of 5.0 stars
