Movies: Doin’ It (2024) by Sara Zandieh: A bold, funny, and heartfelt take on sex, shame, and self-discovery
- dailyentertainment95
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Teaching what you’ve never done
Doin’ It (2024) is a comedy directed by Sara Zandieh, co-written by Lilly Singh, Neel Patel, and Zandieh herself. The film stars Lilly Singh as Maya, an Indian-American virgin who unexpectedly becomes a high school sex education teacher. What follows is a hilarious yet meaningful exploration of cultural taboos, female empowerment, and the awkward beauty of growing up late. Premiered at SXSW 2024, the film gained attention for its diverse cast, inclusive humor, and Singh’s natural comedic timing. It has already won 1 festival award and earned a Metascore of 51, signaling a fun yet thought-provoking crowd-pleaser.
Why to Recommend: Funny, fearless, and refreshingly real
Lilly Singh’s breakout performance: Known for her YouTube fame, Singh proves her range as an actor and co-writer. Her portrayal of Maya is genuine, vulnerable, and refreshingly awkward, grounding the film in emotional truth. Singh’s comedic instincts elevate the humor while keeping the heart of the story intact.
Smart and inclusive comedy: The film uses raunchy humor not just for laughs but to tackle real cultural stigmas surrounding sex education. It cleverly contrasts modern open-mindedness with traditional South Asian values, sparking dialogue about generational and cultural divides.
Relatable storytelling: The script captures the universal fear of not fitting in or being “behind” in life. Maya’s journey resonates with anyone navigating identity, self-worth, or societal expectations.
Positive representation: The film celebrates South Asian identity without stereotypes, bringing authenticity and joy to a genre that often lacks cultural diversity.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/doin-it (US)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26853872/
What is the Trend Followed: The modern feminist sex comedy
Doin’ It continues the rise of sex-positive comedies that blend laughter with empowerment and social commentary.
Female-led perspective: Following hits like Booksmart and No Hard Feelings, this film centers a woman’s sexual awakening told from her own lens. It breaks from the male-dominated narrative of traditional sex comedies.
Cultural authenticity: The movie taps into the growing trend of stories highlighting first-generation immigrant experiences. It brings cultural nuance to Western comedic structures.
Taboo-breaking humor: It embraces awkwardness and discomfort to confront topics often silenced in minority households, from virginity to body autonomy.
Empowerment through humor: By making sex talk funny and accessible, it encourages honest conversations around consent, shame, and intimacy.
Generational gap focus: The comedy exposes how cultural silence impacts sexual education, connecting with both younger and older audiences.
Representation-driven storytelling: The film adds to Hollywood’s ongoing trend of inclusivity by casting diverse voices in leading, not token, roles.
Heart beneath the laughter: Like Never Have I Ever or Turning Red, it wraps empowerment inside humor, reminding viewers that awkwardness is part of growth.
Summary: Doin’ It stands at the forefront of a new era of female-centered, culturally grounded comedies that use laughter to dismantle shame and celebrate identity.
Director’s Vision: Humor with purpose
Empowering voice: Sara Zandieh crafts a narrative where humor becomes liberation. Her direction balances raunchy comedy with emotional truth, making sure every laugh comes with reflection.
Bridging generations: Zandieh connects immigrant parents’ cultural boundaries with modern youth’s openness, using comedy as a tool for understanding.
Natural tone: She maintains a lively, spontaneous rhythm, letting awkward moments breathe rather than forcing punchlines.
Visual warmth: Bright colors and vibrant classrooms reflect the theme of learning and personal awakening.
Themes: Shame, identity, and empowerment
Sexual awakening: The story redefines what “coming of age” means, proving it’s never too late to learn or grow. Maya’s journey is as much about emotional intimacy as physical discovery.
Breaking taboos: The film challenges cultural shame around sexuality and communication, especially for women in conservative families.
Cultural duality: Maya’s struggle between Indian traditions and American liberalism captures the immigrant experience authentically.
Empowerment through education: Teaching sex ed becomes a metaphor for self-acceptance and understanding one’s worth.
Key Success Factors: Warm, witty, and fearless
Engaging lead: Lilly Singh brings authenticity, humor, and charisma, turning vulnerability into strength.
Relatable script: The writing blends cultural commentary with feel-good comedy, appealing to both young adults and family audiences.
Cultural impact: Its open discussions about sex education and South Asian identity fill a major gap in mainstream comedy.
Festival energy: Its SXSW buzz and growing online fan support indicate strong word-of-mouth momentum before wide release.
Awards & Nominations: Smart humor with heart wins recognition
1 win total at film festivals, praised for Best Ensemble Comedy and Singh’s standout performance. While not a major awards juggernaut yet, Doin’ It has attracted attention for its authentic writing and progressive storytelling, suggesting potential nominations during the 2025 indie award cycle.
Critics Reception: A cheerful disruptor
Variety: Praised Singh’s charm and Zandieh’s direction for balancing humor and cultural sensitivity.
IndieWire: Called it “a raunchy, heartfelt reminder that education starts with honesty.”
The Hollywood Reporter: Highlighted the film’s confidence in addressing taboo topics without judgment.
Metacritic: Scored 51, marking it as a mixed-to-positive indie success with standout audience energy.
Summary: Critics appreciate its charm, inclusivity, and fearless tone. Though uneven in pacing, the film is praised for its humor, warmth, and message of self-empowerment.
Reviews: Viewers laugh, relate, and cheer
IMDb Users: Rated 4.4/10, divided between those loving its boldness and others disliking its tone.
Letterboxd: Many praised its heart and humor, comparing it to Sex Education for adults.
Audience reviews: Fans admired how it destigmatizes female desire and celebrates awkwardness with honesty and hilarity.
Summary: Viewers call it imperfect but refreshing—a film that makes you laugh, squirm, and reflect. It’s lighthearted yet revolutionary in what it normalizes.
Movie Trend: Raunchy comedies with real meaning
Doin’ It fits within the sex-positive feminist comedy movement—raunchy yet emotionally intelligent. It prioritizes empathy over shock value and uses humor as a vehicle for cultural and personal liberation. This modern approach aligns with Hollywood’s broader trend toward authentic, women-led narratives that balance laughter with heart.
Social Trend: Talking openly about taboo topics
The film aligns with the cultural movement toward sexual openness and destigmatization, particularly within immigrant communities. It echoes the ongoing push to normalize conversations around consent, body autonomy, and sex education, especially for young women of color.
Final Verdict: Funny, fearless, and refreshingly bold
Doin’ It is a sharp, sex-positive comedy that dares to teach with laughter. With Lilly Singh’s charismatic performance and Sara Zandieh’s heartfelt direction, it delivers a perfect mix of irreverence and empathy.Verdict: A vibrant, hilarious, and empowering story that turns awkwardness into liberation and laughter into learning.