Episode Description
This one’s about awkward first times — featuring skinny jeans, bad geometry, and absolutely zero game.
Ariel and Morgan sit down with intimacy coordinator and author Brooke M. Haney to break down the chaotic, vulnerable, and surprisingly tender hookup scenes from Booksmart: a film that proves intimacy on screen doesn’t have to be polished to be powerful.
They get into it all:
• Why awkward intimacy can still be choreographed and is not an excuse to skip process
• How Booksmart manages to depict teen sexuality without sexualizing its characters for the adult gaze
• The storytelling power of wardrobe choices, body language, and messy logistics (yes, including skinny jeans and sneakers)
• And why representation of imperfect queer intimacy matters when so many people learn about sex from movies
It’s thoughtful, nerdy, hilarious, including shop talk from kit items and choreography language to the very real production challenges of filming intimacy on beaches, in pools, and under rapidly disappearing sunlight.
Buy Brooke's book "A History of Intimacy Professionals in Entertainment" Here!
Buy Brooke's book "The Intimacy Coordinator's Guidebook" Here!
Want to watch along? Our reaction covers the pool sequence (~1:04:00) and the bathroom hookup scene (Time Code: 1:14:42–1:18:00). We cut around the clips, so it won’t sync perfectly, but you’ll absolutely get the point.
-----------------------------------------
CREDITS — Booksmart (2019)
Director: Olivia Wilde
Writers: Emily Halpern; Sarah Haskins; Susanna Fogel; Katie Silberman
Producers: Megan Ellison; Jessica Elbaum; Katie Silberman; Jessica Barnard; David Distenfeld
Actors (featured in discussed scenes): Kaitlyn Dever; Diana Silvers; Victoria Ruesga
Studio: Annapurna Pictures / Gloria Sanchez Productions
© 2019 Annapurna Pictures. All rights reserved.
-----------------------------------------
🔗 Connect & Support the Show
👀 Watch the Video Version: See our reactions! The video podcast is available on Spotify and YouTube.
💌 Suggest a Scene & Get Bonuses: Join our Patreon to request movies for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. patreon.com/FakingItThePod
📱 Follow Us for Chaos: Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram @FakingItThePod
🌐 Visit Our Website: Find all our links and more at FakingItThePod.com
🎧 Subscribe for Free: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Faking It on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
💬 Review Us: Love the show? Give us 5 stars! It helps other listeners discover us.
Stay real, Fakers 🫡
Legal Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are our own. This episode is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Nothing here is intended to defame, slander, or infringe upon any individual or entity. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.