Steven Prusakowski
Telling the story of a dying woman’s final days or exploring a woman’s sexual awakening isn’t entirely new—but combining the two creates something truly unique. FX’s Dying for Sex charts that territory, delivering a heartwarming, hilarious, and intimate narrative that entertains while using humor and sexuality to inspire viewers to reflect on their lives and embrace meaningful change.
The limited series based on a podcast of the same name, tells the true story of Molly Kochan (played by Michelle Williams), a woman who after learning she has terminal breast cancer leaves her unfulfilling marriage to explore her sexuality and live fully in her final days. By her side is her best friend Nikki Boyer (Jenny Slate), for support and companionship as she confronts mortality and seeks the joy that she was always missing through sex.
The series tackles incredibly serious themes of mortality, grief, abuse, and sexual liberation with unflinching honesty; it also provides countless laughs and some of the most raunchy scenarios to ever be offered to the general audience. While it is as kinky and funny as can be it is never irreverent or loses focus on the poignant story it is telling, allowing it to work on many levels for those able to get past their inhibitions and embrace the beauty presented.
At its emotional core is the deepening bond between Molly and Nikki, a friendship that transcends typical portrayals, and knowing it is based on a real-life relationship makes it only more engaging. Awards Radar spoke with some of the cast and team behind the series, for some fascinating conversations that explored what makes the series connect with so many.
(Watch the full interviews below)
“I think it was very much this story on the podcast that immediately grabbed both of us,” explained Kim Rosenstock who co-created, co-produced, and co-wrote the series with Elizabeth Meriwether. “Just the idea that like they were already really good friends, but being in this situation kind of brings their relationship to such a deeper level.”
The unique friendship dynamic struck a chord with the creators, making this a story they needed to tell. “We don’t often get to experience that with our friends. Like she (Molly) makes her (Nikki) her life partner… essentially, her caretaker for her final years – and Nikki accepts,” explained Rosenstock. We’ve seen so many wonderful shows and films about female friendship, but I think this one felt so specific and that question of ‘Will you die with me?’”
With that concept of “dying” with someone alone being a wrecking ball to the heart – it is a miracle how much the comedic aspects of the series and Molly’s inspiring perseverance serve as a life preserver preventing audiences from drowning in sorrow. Playing Molly required a special actress, one who could take on a role demanding both raw vulnerability and fearless bravado.
“I was so daunted by casting this show because I was like, ‘How are we going to find an actress that’s going to want to tackle all of these moments? Sex scenes, death scenes. She’s in almost every moment on screen. It’s a marathon.” shared Meriwether.
Michelle Williams proved to be the perfect fit. “She listened to the podcast and kind of fell in love with Molly,” shared Meriwether. “Something about Molly’s voice and the character just really got under her skin. And as soon as she said yes to the show, she just dove in. She went through every moment of the script and she was fearless.”
Williams’ performance anchors the series, bringing Molly’s journey – from bold sexual exploration to confronting mortality – to vivid life, balancing humor and heartbreak with remarkable depth, making it easy to momentarily forget that Dying for Sex is about a woman’s final days. Williams fully embodies the role, striking a delicate balance that renders the show gripping and deeply moving, stirring emotions and ideas that resonate even more deeply with each passing episode.
Producer Nikki Boyer (Molly’s real-life best friend, played by Slate) discussed how the series’ universal themes resonated far beyond the screen, touching audiences she never expected. “I was blown away by the reach that the story had. People were letting me know about their own cancer journeys. People were telling me about their sexual relationships and how they’re feeling confined and don’t know what to do, or they’re leaving a marriage as well,” shared Boyer.
“Then I had one guy who was a truck driver and was listening like ‘on accident’ while he was on his truck route,” shared Boyer. “He’s like, ‘I pulled over and I called my mom and I haven’t spoken to my mom in 10 years. But hearing Molly’s mom and their connection through the podcast, I was like, well, what am I waiting for?’”
Rob Delaney, plays “Neighbor Guy,” a slightly off-putting tenant whose relationship with Molly evolves in completely unexpected ways on many levels. The actor considered working with Michelle Williams “really special.”
“I was consciously aware of how lucky I was doing it. Her reputation is justified and to act opposite her is probably one of the great privileges that an actor can have in this business,” Delaney revealed.
He relished the opportunity to defy typecasting allowing him to explore “the whole emotional palette” for the series. “I mean like I’m six foot four. I have a heavy brow. It would be maybe easier or more expected for me to just play like heavies or whatever, but the fact is it’s way more fun, interesting, challenging and rewarding to play people who do cry, to play people who do fall down and are fallible and vulnerable,” he explained. Delaney’s performance adds yet another layer to the series, showcasing the strength found in emotional openness even if sometimes it is a literal kick to the balls.
Dying for Sex refuses to shy away from life’s complexities, taking them head-on with humor and sexual daring are as bold as its heartbreak is raw. All episodes are now streaming on Hulu and Disney+. (***1/2 our of 4).
Watch the interviews in their entirety below.
Comments
Loading…