The increasingly prevalent concept of sexual consent has caused many important conversations to be had over the last few years, as we navigate the complicated dynamics that underpin the way we have sex.
A rather interesting and brave Channel 4 drama is set to look at how consent – as well as porn culture, the Internet and social media – impacts the way teenagers construct their sexual identities and experiences.
The film, which is also called Consent, has an ultimate of shining a light on the uncomfortable reality that modern-day school children live through as they come to terms with their own sexuality and first experiences.
Here's everything we know about Consent, including the fact it's going to be released very soon.
What is Consent about?
According to the drama's official synopsis, it is set to “capture what it feels like for young people in an environment where sexual expectations are distorted by the instant access to porn and where the lines of consent are minimised”.
Consent is set in a fictional private school, previously single sex but has recently started to admit female students (sigh). The two main characters are Archie – a privileged, male student who feels like an outsider – and Natalie, a working class student who has won a scholarship to study at the prestigious school.
In spite of their extremely different backgrounds, Natalie and Archie bond, until one night at a party where boundaries are crossed and Natalie then learns what it's like to level an accusation against a member of an elite group.
Who is starring in Consent?
Lashay Anderson (star of Rebel Cheer Squad and upcoming TV drama Black Cake) will play Natalie, and newcomer Tom Victor will play Archie.
Familiar faces include Heartstopper star Rhea Norwood, Ty Tennant (House of Dragons) and Alex Heath (The Serpent Queen).
What have the team behind Consent said about the film, ahead of its release?
“Whilst researching Consent I was shocked but not entirely surprised about the culture of toxic masculinity and misogyny explored within the drama," the drama's writer, Emma Dennis-Edwards, has said.
“Whilst social media has proved to be an amazing tool for young people to express themselves socially and politically it must also take some of the responsibility for the misogyny and sexual harassment that has become almost commonplace in our schools.”
Consent's executive producer Aysha Rafaele has spoken out about her hope that the drama will “resonate” with young people and encourage conversations.
"We hope our bold, authentic depiction of the teenage experience will resonate with many young people and will start a conversation about what kind of education a generation entirely permeated by a relentless online reality might actually need,” she says.
Is there a trailer for Consent?
There is indeed. We get a little bit of insight into the fateful night that changed Natalie and Archie's friendship. She doesn't remember an encounter they have at a party, and it seems that Archie has some kind of footage or images on his phone that his friends describe as “no face, no case”.
It looks like a clever, dark, look at the reality behind the sexual dynamics that teenagers face in the Internet age.
Watch below:
When is Consent available to watch?
Consent will air on Tuesday 7 February on Channel 4.
Everyone's Invited would like to share the following comment:
What's the feedback so far?GLAMOUR's Activist of the Year Award, Soma Sara, the founder of Everyone's Invited – a grassroots campaign which empowers survivors of sexual violence to share their stories - said: “We are grateful Channel 4’s programme “Consent” has re-ignited the discussion around rape culture in schools. Within and beyond this film, Everyone’s Invited feels that boys need positive role models and the conversation needs to continue and go much further.
We cannot expect a cultural shift to happen easily. Changing a culture takes time, education and widespread and individual commitment. Rape culture is damaging to the the lives of both boys and girls, this is evident from the thousands of testimonies that Everyone’s Invited has received. It’s clear that a continued and collaborative effort by everyone is necessary to challenge and eradicate rape culture. We need to encourage healing, empathy and equal, loving relationships amongst people. Since the start of Everyone’s Invited we have and we continue to call for compassion for both boys and girls, they deserve to be loved, respected, listened to and understood.”
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