‘Planet Sex With Cara Delevingne’ Is ’Reel Sex’ for 2023

Sandra Miska

A world-famous, openly queer British supermodel still has a lot to learn in Hulu’s “Planet Sex With Cara Delevingne.” Despite being one of the most recognizable young LGBTQ women in the world, Cara Delevingne, who identifies as bisexual and pansexual, has a lot to discover about her own identity as she acts as our upbeat, globetrotting guide in this docuseries exploring issues relating to sex, gender and sexual orientation. 

Although those the same age as Delevingne (30) and younger are probably too young to remember it, a series “Planet Sex” can easily be compared to is “Reel Sex,” the nineties HBO docu-series that was groundbreaking in the way it took the viewer inside the sex lives of others. However, “Planet Sex” has less of a voyeuristic feel, as the surprisingly personable Delevingne takes the viewer into her confidence and makes them feel as though they are a trusted friend who is along with her on this journey of discovery instead of just watching from the sidelines. 

The first episode, “Out and Proud?”, starts with Delevingne attending her first-ever pride event in Palm Springs. While it might be hard to believe that someone who is one of the bigger queer icons for the younger set has never participated in such an event, or even spent much time hanging out in gay bars, as she also claims, it checks out when one thinks about it more deeply. Delevingne was only 17 when she embarked on a modeling career that would make her one of the most recognizable faces in the world, so it would make sense that she would be wary of crowded events, or would not have to duck into bars to meet women. 

Part of the charm of the series is the dichotomy of the different sides of Delevingne and the fact that someone who has modeled for major fashion houses can still feel self-conscious and unsure of herself. It is fun to watch her shed certain inhibitions, but she recognizes her privilege, and the most compelling parts of the first episode involve her interviewing queer people who come from societies where being out and proud is, at best, frowned upon, and at worst, could get one killed.

The title of the second episode, “The Orgasm Gap,” refers to a fact that is common knowledge, that people with female anatomy experience orgasms way less than their penis-having peers. The most interesting parts of this episode include Delevingne interviewing doctors and scientists who are working to advance our understanding of sexuality and sexual response. The model and sometimes actress even “donates” an orgasm to science in Europe and learns about the chemicals her brain releases when she releases. 

Other segments about sex toys, plush vaginas and group masturbation feel more like the pages of Cosmo come to life. Those who grew up in environments and/or cultures where self-pleasure and frank discussions about their parts were taboo would appreciate how these women open themselves up and speak about their personal fears and shame regarding exploring their bodies, while those who have been there and done that will probably be less engaged. We also meet a few artists who are raising awareness with their female anatomy-inspired works. While these women certainly deserve admiration, there is something passé about molds of vaginas and sculptures of clitorises. They feel less provocative and more kitsch than they may have in the “Reel Sex” era.

“Planet Sex” seems to hit a stride in episode three, “What’s Your Gender?”. Delevingne introduces multiple compelling figures in this episode, including a transman who does drag, a doctor who reveals some legitimately fascinating information about our brains, and people who live outside of the gender binary in cultures that one would not expect. There’s also Delevingne’s own questioning of her identity that make the episode interesting, as she’s not afraid to be open and vulnerable about herself and how much strict societal rules surrounding gender and gender expression have harmed her.

Overall, “Planet Sex” is not reinventing the wheel. With the explosion of the internet and social media in recent years, and everyone and their grandma baring all on TikTok, a series like this feels less provocative than it may have 20-30 years ago. However, it has its strengths, mainly the interviews with the aforementioned compelling figures. There’s also Delevingne herself, who goes above and beyond in her hosting duties and gives a piece of herself to the viewer.

“Planet Sex With Cara Delevingne” begins streaming Feb. 14 on Hulu.