Sexual Healing 2022
Distributed by Grasshopper Film, 12 East 32nd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016
Produced by Nienke Korthof and Willem Baptist
Directed by Elsbeth Fraanje
Streaming, 55 mins
College - General Adult
Disabilities; Sexuality
Date Entered: 03/19/2024
Reviewed by Lonnie Frazier, Impact ProducerIn Sexual Healing, a documentary by director Elsbeth Fraanje, we follow the journey of Evelien Spreitzer, a 53-year-old woman with spasticity, a physical disability that makes her reliant on the help of others, as she embarks on a quest for sexual fulfillment and self-discovery.
When we first meet Evelien, her openness, curiosity, and wit are apparent. What could seem like an invasive story in the wrong hands instead feels incredibly honest. Evelien’s insecurities about her body and her concerns about finding a connection with another human being are relatable. Watching her reliance on caregivers lifting her into her wheelchair and helping her with bathing is juxtaposed with her independent personality as she explores the city, the beach, and in an especially fun scene: a sex shop. Her journey is depicted with dignity and respect, allowing her story to resonate on a personal level with audiences.
Evelien wonders if she has missed out on something by never having a sexual connection with her own body or with another person. Due to her disability, she has only experienced human touch in a functional capacity. To explore her options, she decided to enlist the help of an agency that connects people with disabilities to professional sex caregivers. With the help of the 'mischievous' man she meets through the agency, Evelien learns that she is worthy of pleasure and connection.
Sexual Healing is a compelling and emotionally resonant documentary that challenges societal norms and celebrates the power of self-discovery. Through Evelien's journey, the filmmaker invites audiences to confront their own biases and embrace the complexity of human sexuality.
Awards:Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Audience Award, Mid-Length Documentary; Charlotte Film Festival, Jury Award, Best Documentary Feature; Peloponnisos International Doc Film Festival, Best Documentary - Honorable Mention
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