"Sexual Response" (1992): Late-Night Softcore Thrills with Shannon Tweed and Saxophones

 Movie Review: Sexual Response (1992)

You know what you’re getting into with Sexual Response—and if you don’t, you really should. This is one of those films that’s completely unapologetic in its mission to deliver exactly what it promises: late-night softcore thrills. Forget about intricate plotlines, subtle character development, or stunning cinematic achievements. This is a flick where the story takes a backseat to Shannon Tweed, mood lighting, and a saxophone-heavy soundtrack. If you came for titillating tension and steamy seduction, well, you’ve come to the right place.

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The Plot (or lack thereof)

The plot is pretty basic, but it doesn’t need to be anything more. Shannon Tweed plays a radio sex therapist, and frankly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else filling that role in 1992. She’s confident, alluring, and—unfortunately for her—married to a total bore. Her husband, an archaeologist from Australia, is as emotionally unavailable as he is physically distant, which leaves Tweed’s character, “Dr. Eve,” longing for something more. Cue Edge (yes, that’s his name), a brooding, mysterious artist/biker with a secretive past and a temper. It’s safe to say he’s the exact opposite of her husband, which makes him irresistibly attractive. And naturally, the two of them embark on an affair that’s more about raw chemistry than emotional connection.

Does it make sense? No. Is it a fresh take on the genre? Also no. But does it get the job done in delivering what fans of late-night cable erotica crave? Absolutely.

The Sex (because, let’s be real, that’s what you’re here for)

If you’re watching Sexual Response, it’s not for the riveting dialogue or masterful character arcs. It’s about the sex—and on that front, the movie delivers. Tweed, as always, is a pro at selling softcore fantasies. The sex scenes are steamy, intense, and satisfyingly long. You’ll get exactly what you expect: moody lighting, passionate clinches, and an impressive amount of skin. The chemistry between Tweed and her lover, Edge, is palpable, and the film doesn’t shy away from making every encounter as sensual as possible, with the sax-heavy score underscoring every intimate moment. There’s an almost deliberate cheesiness to it all, but it works, and for fans of 90s erotica, this is peak indulgence.

The Characters

As for the characters—well, don’t expect Shakespearean depth. Tweed’s character, Dr. Eve, is a woman trapped in a sexless marriage who’s looking for excitement in all the wrong places. The husband is the stereotypical “boring intellectual,” consumed by his archaeology career and oblivious to the emotional needs of his wife. Then there’s Edge, the dark, mysterious stranger who, of course, knows exactly what buttons to press. He's intense, temperamental, and, in the grand tradition of noir-influenced softcore thrillers, a walking cliché. But that’s okay because Sexual Response doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: an erotic thriller where the plot serves as little more than a vehicle for the real star—Shannon Tweed, and, of course, her breasts.

The Cinematography & Music

The cinematography is almost comically drenched in moody, dim lighting. Think neon lights, shadowy corners, and the constant suggestion of something illicit about to happen in every frame. There’s nothing groundbreaking here, but for the genre, it’s exactly the vibe you want. As for the music, it’s all about the saxophone. From the opening credits to the climactic moments, the score plays a key role in setting the sultry, steamy tone. If you’ve ever imagined a scene in an erotic thriller where every touch is emphasized by sax music, Sexual Response delivers it in full force. It’s the perfect soundtrack for what is essentially a softcore fever dream.

The Acting

Let’s be real—the acting is pretty bad. Shannon Tweed isn’t exactly delivering a powerhouse performance, but that’s not why we’re watching. Her portrayal of the frustrated, emotionally neglected wife is serviceable, but really, she’s there to do two things: look smoking hot and make you believe her character is capable of embarking on a torrid affair. She nails both. The rest of the cast is forgettable at best, with Edge coming across as more of a walking man-myth than an actual character. But again, this is a softcore thriller, so the acting, or lack thereof, doesn’t detract from the film’s overall vibe.

Final Thoughts

If you came for deep storytelling, complex characters, or a thought-provoking message about love and fidelity, then Sexual Response is absolutely not for you. But if you're looking for a guilty pleasure full of 90s cheese, sultry seduction, and enough titty to keep your attention, this film serves its purpose. It’s a relic of a simpler time in film history, when movies like this were a staple of late-night cable programming and everyone knew exactly what they were getting into.

Sexual Response is trashy, melodramatic, and dripping with sexual tension. It knows what it is, doesn’t apologize for it, and delivers exactly the kind of softcore thrills you’re expecting. Is it a great film? No. Is it a great film for what it is? Absolutely.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) – For fans of 90s erotic thrillers, this is a nostalgic indulgence. For everyone else, it’s an exercise in bad acting, exaggerated drama, and gratuitous nudity.