Who thought teaching was boring? Prepare to learn about one of life’s most anticipated topics—sex.

This film really made me laugh. Learning isn’t always as dull as you might think.

Sex Ed takes you into the world of teaching sex education while also following the life of a virgin. How do those two completely opposite things fall into the same category? Sex Ed shows you how.

The movie starts with classic footage from what appears to be early sex-ed instructional videos. Not only does this serve as a fun, comedic introduction, but it also sets the tone for the film—lighthearted, self-aware, and engaging.

Ed Cole (Haley Joel Osment) is a simple man who wants simple things. The problem? He can never seem to get them.

Ed tries to “be the man,” but something always goes wrong. He’ll have something great for a moment, only to let it slip away—not because he’s incompetent, but because he actually has something people in the 21st century often overlook: standards and morals.

Ed doesn’t just want sex—he wants sex with meaning, sex with purpose. He’s willing to turn down opportunities that come his way because of his ideals. Throughout the film, you might expect him to break and give in (and he almost does, under certain circumstances), but ultimately, his desire for emotional connection outweighs mere physical attraction.

JT (Glen Powell) is Ed’s “bro” friend who dishes out terrible advice on how to “be a man.” We all (hopefully) know his guidance is ridiculous, but every movie like this needs that one friend who pushes the main character in the wrong direction before they find a wiser mentor. Despite his absurd advice, JT is actually a great character, and his dynamic with his girlfriend Trish (Abby Elliott) is entertaining. The two make a fun, believable couple.

Sydney (Retta) is the queen of good advice. She’s Ed’s true mentor, offering words of wisdom whenever he’s struggling. No matter how bad things get for Ed, Sydney is always there to put things into perspective. She serves as both comic relief and a source of emotional support. That said, the movie never really explores her personal life. We see that she owns a bar and what seems to be a hotel-like place, but we never get much depth beyond her role as the wise confidante. Still, she’s a fantastic character.

Pilar (Lorenza Izzo) plays Ed’s almost girlfriend. I say almost because, while they go on dates and share intimate moments, their relationship is never officially defined. She’s a great person, but she’s ultimately not what Ed wants. They start off strong, with a real connection that seems rare, but as Ed grows from his experiences, he realizes that she’s more focused on the physical than the emotional—the opposite of what he’s looking for.

Washout (Matt Walsh) is, well, Matt Walsh doing what he does best—being hilariously random. He plays Ed’s “secondary boss,” the guy who gets him the teaching job. Their conversations are pure comedy, and if you stick around for the end credits, you’ll get even more of their interactions, which feel like genuine improv rather than scripted dialogue.

While Sex Ed is undeniably funny, it also highlights the lack of proper sexual education in schools. The film makes valid points about parents wanting the right to teach their own kids about sex, but it also raises an important question: How often does that actually happen?

Yes, we live in an era of openness, where topics like sex are discussed more publicly than ever. But we also live in an era of silence, where many young people feel too shy or afraid to talk to their parents about these things. Schools that don’t offer sex education should really reconsider. Having someone outside of your family—a teacher, mentor, or counselor—who creates a safe space for these discussions can make a huge difference.

Just some food for thought for schools and teachers who might come across this review.

Oh, and one last thing—who decided the oboe was lame?! The oboe is a beautiful instrument! Justice for the oboe.

If you enjoy witty comebacks, drunken mishaps, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of moral wisdom, Sex Ed is worth a watch!