Dying For Sex centres around Molly (Michelle Williams) pursuing her bucket list as a woman with stage four breast cancer. No matter how strange her sexual desires may seem, it’s satisfying to see her take control of how she spends her final days. Watching her character Jen Lindley die from a fatal heart condition in the Dawson’s Creek series finale was devastating. At least you’ll get to say goodbye this time.
It’s a refreshing concept for TV created by Elizabeth Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock, the masterminds behind New Girl and Only Murders In The Building. Dying For Sex is based on a true story about Molly Kochan. I hesitate to call myself a fan because I feel more like a voyeur observing a different side of New York that I haven’t been privy to before. This miniseries introduces you to characters with so much depth that other shows and movies simply hint at. What begins as a weird premise becomes so intense that you’ll be crying by the end.
Molly’s best friend Nikki is portrayed by one of my favourite actors, Jenny Slate. She redefines what it means when friends become family. And she does it as her usual quirky self. Nikki might seem like a disorganized hipster with an oversized tote bag. However, she risks her theatre career, relationship and sanity to help her friend. And the way she sacrifices so much for Molly is truly rare. Everyone needs a friend like Nikki.
There are a few recognizable faces in the cast who blend into Molly’s world through brief appearances. If you liked David Rausche as the CFO in Succession, watch him swap his blazer for a medical coat as Molly’s doctor. Or perhaps you’ll enjoy seeing Sissy Spacek as Molly’s mother. Bet you’ll be glad she’s not blabbing about your personal life without hesitating.
The cast of Dawson’s Creek is all grown up and Dying For Sex illuminates how the main stars can fit into Hollywood now. James Van Der Beek gave me one of the best Cameo videos ever – he could be a life coach! I met Busy Philipps and she’s one of the few celebrities who really made me starstruck. Busy Philipps’ friendship with Michelle Williams is enviable. She’s lucky to join her as a plus one for red carpet events as Michelle’s star power grows.
There’s a scene in Dying For Sex where Molly’s support group reads each other’s diaries as a therapy exercise, so I’ll share a direct quote from my own diary after finishing the series: “I knew it was coming, but in the beginning I wasn’t attached to her character I was just an observer and by the end like holy shit. Even though I hated her choices and pink hair, she makes you care. She’s Michelle Williams.”
Sometimes the word storytelling sounds like a cliche, but it really meant something here because it really is a skill and this production team nailed it.
Dying For Sex is now available to watch on Hulu and Disney+ and the miniseries has 8 episodes. Watch the trailer below and follow me on Instagram & YouTube to find out what’s hot in Hollywood!