How to Please a Woman

How to Please a Woman is a charming and witty Australian comedy film directed by Renée Webster released in 2022. The film stars Sally Phillips as the protagonist Gina, an everywoman who finds herself at a pivotal moment in her life, both personally and professionally.

The story centers on Gina, a middle-aged woman who is undervalued at work and her marriage has lost its spark. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her job in a shipping company is made redundant, and she is compelled to reassess her life and her sense of worth. Searching for a new direction and purpose, Gina encounters an unusual opportunity that propels her journey of self-discovery.

Gina discovers a group of male escorts who, while possessing good looks and charm, lack a certain finesse and understanding when it comes to truly satisfying their female clients. With a mixture of entrepreneurial spirit and a newfound feminist gusto, Gina is struck with a groundbreaking business idea – to retrain the escorts to better serve the needs and desires of women. What starts as an audacious venture soon blossoms into a full-fledged service titled 'How to Please a Woman', which empowers the women of Perth by providing cleaning services by day, and more intimate engagements by night.

As the head of her new enterprise, Gina takes on the task of managing the men including the affable Steve, portrayed by Alexander England, who becomes her leading man in more ways than one. She instructs them not only in the art of house cleaning but also in the more nuanced aspects of emotional support and companionship, aiming to offer a holistic and gratifying experience to their clientele. Gina's bold move shakes up the status quo and leads her all-male crew on a humorous and often touching journey towards becoming the ultimate pleasure providers.

Throughout her business endeavors, Gina grapples with her own insecurities and the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman of a certain age. Her friendship with her stalwart friend and co-worker, played by Hayley McElhinney, serves as a pillar of strength and a sounding board as she navigates her way through her new life. Meanwhile, Caroline Brazier's character brings additional depth to the narrative by showcasing another dimension of the struggles faced by women in their private lives.

The film resonates with its target audience due to its frank and funny take on sexuality, ageism, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. It dares to tackle the taboo topic of women’s sexual desires in the later stages of life with humor, sensitivity, and a touch of rebellion. As Gina breaks through societal norms and stereotypes, she not only empowers the women around her but also embarks on an inward journey towards reclaiming her own sense of joy and vibrancy.

For its portrayal of strong, relatable female characters who are unafraid to confront their desires and challenge the conventions that have held them back, How to Please a Woman has been praised. The film delivers a hearty blend of laughs and poignant moments, with Sally Phillips earning plaudits for her warm and engaging performance as Gina, whose relatability is the emotional cornerstone of the narrative.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Perth, Australia, the film also features captivating scenes that showcase the beauty of the region, adding an additional layer of visual appeal to its indelible Australian vibe. The cinematography, combined with the film's upbeat and modern soundtrack, mirrors Gina's adventurous spirit and the bold steps she takes throughout her journey.

How to Please a Woman has drawn positive commentary for subverting the traditional male gaze in cinema by offering a refreshing female perspective on sexuality and pleasure. It is a story about taking control, finding courage, and embracing the unforeseen pleasures of life, all while delivering hearty chuckles along the way.

As Gina’s story unfolds, audience members are treated to a thought-provoking yet joyous narrative that offers an uplifting message of empowerment, self-love, and the importance of friendship and community. Without venturing into spoiler territory, the climax of the film brings together the various threads of personal growth, emotional connections, and business highs and lows in a satisfying conclusion that reaffirms the central theme of the movie: the idea that it's never too late to find happiness and reinvent oneself.

How to Please a Woman is a feel-good movie that might just inspire viewers to redefine happiness on their own terms, making it an enjoyable and potentially inspiring film for many.