It doesn’t matter what your relationship status is: single. Coupled. Throupled. Complicated. Sometimes you just want to sit on your couch with a big bowl of popcorn and a generous pour of your favorite sipping drink and watch a sexy romance. There’s no shame in admitting when you want something so juicy that it’ll make you hit the rewind button or drop exclamation marks into the group chat. But what makes a good sex scene? What tips the scale into steamy? It’s much more than beautiful people kissing set to a lush soundtrack or a full-nude romp in the sack. No, no. The desire is in the details. Here are a few sensuous scenes that can meet you at your preferred steam level.

Summertime

The series: In the tourist town of Cesenatico, Italy, teenager Summer Bennati (Coco Rebecca Edogamhe) begins working at a hotel where she meets Ale Alba (Ludovico Tersigni), a well-known motorcycle racer whose mother owns the hotel. Summer and Ale clash immediately but cannot deny their attraction. The two must deal with changing friendships, family troubles, jealous exes and figuring out what they really want from their lives, but it doesn’t stop them from forming a romantic attachment. 

The scene: Summer has been dealing with the fallout from an argument with Ale, awkwardness with her two best friends and the absence of her father. Although she doesn’t like to make a big fuss about herself, Ale plans a grand romantic gesture for Summer’s 18th birthday as a way to apologize while also celebrating her. He takes the copy of Moby-Dick she’s been reading from her workplace locker and sends her on a scavenger hunt to find it. She finally arrives at the lake where the two first realized there was something between them. With flamingos squawking and the sun setting, Summer slowly moves closer to Ale. They stand quietly, breathing each other in, before she kisses him. Then Summer discovers Ale has set up a small boat filled with candles. Soon they are in the dinghy, tearing each other’s clothes off between heartfelt kisses. 

What makes it steamy: It’s not a very explicit moment. In fact, there is no nudity beyond Ale’s bare chest, so this isn’t the spiciest of love scenes. But sometimes it’s thoughtfulness that gets the blood flowing. Ale knows Summer doesn’t like to be the center of attention and enjoys quiet, so he sets up a private moment and gives her room to accept his offer. Who can deny sad eyes and candlelight on the water? Watch this when you need to be reminded that care, consideration and big gestures go a long way. 

Summertime

3 Seasons   TV-MA   2020

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The series: Ryan O’Connell stars in this semi-autobiographical dramedy about a gay man with cerebral palsy. In the series, Ryan Hayes has attempted to take control of his life and be more than his medical diagnosis as he navigates relationships, friendships and independence. 

The scene: After learning that Ryan has never had sex before, his best friend Kim (Punam Patel) convinces him to see a sex worker named Shay (Brian Jordan Alvarez). When Ryan arrives for his appointment, he’s very nervous and tries not to disclose he has CP or that it’s his first time having sex. Shay is matter-of-fact in his seduction, moving through the motions quickly but sweetly and carefully. He lets Ryan know each step he’s about to take, gives him compliments and kisses him. Shay and Ryan laugh through any awkward moments and Ryan’s amazement as he experiences sensual touch. It’s all very charming and delightful.

What makes it steamy: Humor is an important part of our lives and can have a rewarding presence in the bedroom as well. It’s also important to see sex workers as human beings capable of kindness and affection. Ryan’s constant astonishment and Shay’s joy at being a part of that moment is a lovely reminder that sweet and steamy are perfect combinations. 

If you want more hardcore steaminess without heading into Incognito mode on your browser, you can check out series like Easy, Sex/Life or Dark Desire, plus the film 365 Days. There’s a little something for everyone in need of silver-screen seduction.

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2 Seasons   TV-MA   2019

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