Strand Releasing has debuted the official U.S. trailer for Sex, the latest installment in Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud’s Oslo Trilogy. Despite its provocative title, Sex offers a contemplative and restrained cinematic experience, devoid of explicit scenes yet brimming with intellectual discourse about sexuality, gender, and the dynamics of modern relationships.
This film marks the first chapter in Haugerud’s trilogy, titled Sex Dreams Love, with Love premiering earlier and Dreams set to follow later this year. Each entry stands independently but shares a thematic thread: the exploration of desire, identity, and the human yearning for emotional and psychological freedom.
In Sex, Haugerud introduces audiences to two chimney sweeps, both in monogamous, heterosexual marriages, who are forced to confront their understanding of sexuality in surprising ways. One character engages in a same-sex encounter without identifying as gay or viewing the act as infidelity, leading to a raw, honest conversation with his wife. The other is unsettled by recurring dreams in which he is seen as a woman, prompting existential reflections on how his identity is perceived and shaped by others.
Anchored by compelling performances from Jan Gunnar Røise, Thorbjørn Haar, Siri Forberg, and Brigitte Larsen, the film offers a warm yet probing drama. It is especially suited for viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives and thoughtful dialogue—though some may find it less cinematic in the traditional sense, it delivers a powerfully introspective experience.
Haugerud, known for his work on I Belong and Barn, continues to carve a unique path in Scandinavian cinema with a quiet yet impactful voice. Sex had its world premiere at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival and is now set for a U.S. theatrical release at Film Forum in New York City on June 13, 2025. It follows the U.S. debut of Love on May 16 and precedes Dreams, which opens on September 12.
For fans of deeply human stories told through the lens of introspective cinema, Sex is a bold and thoughtful addition to the landscape. And while it may not be conventional in terms of spectacle, it’s a must-watch for anyone drawn to movies that challenge perceptions and invite meaningful dialogue.
