Stolen Virginity ( 2016 )

Stolen Virginity (2016): A Critical Analysis

Stolen Virginity, released in 2016, is a film directed by Christie Will Wolf. While marketed as a thriller, its execution and narrative choices have garnered significant criticism, particularly concerning its depiction of sexual assault and its reliance on familiar, often problematic, tropes within the genre. This analysis delves into the film's plot, characters, themes, and critical reception, ultimately arguing that Stolen Virginity fails to deliver a compelling or sensitive portrayal of its subject matter, instead relying on sensationalism and questionable narrative choices.

Plot Summary

The film centers on Carolyn (played by Michelle Mylett), a young woman who, after a night of partying, claims to have been sexually assaulted. She identifies a suspect, Ben (played by David James Lewis), a wealthy and seemingly charming man. The narrative follows Carolyn's attempts to navigate the aftermath of the alleged assault, her interactions with the police, and her struggle to cope with the trauma. As the investigation unfolds, doubts begin to surface about Carolyn's account, leading to a complex web of suspicion and potential manipulation. The film attempts to explore themes of consent, memory, and the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault. However, it does so through a lens that frequently undermines Carolyn's credibility, ultimately blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator.

Character Analysis

The characters in Stolen Virginity are largely underdeveloped and driven by plot contrivances rather than believable motivations. This weakness contributes significantly to the film's overall lack of depth and emotional resonance.

Carolyn

Carolyn is presented as a vulnerable and initially sympathetic figure. However, the film frequently undermines her perspective, casting doubt on her memory and motivations. This portrayal is arguably the film's biggest failing, as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes about women who report sexual assault and reinforces the notion that they might be lying or exaggerating. Her actions are often erratic and poorly explained, making it difficult for the audience to fully empathize with her plight. The ambiguity surrounding her character, intended to create suspense, ultimately backfires, rendering her less a victim and more a plot device.

Ben

Ben is the archetypal charming-yet-potentially-dangerous male figure. He is wealthy, attractive, and initially presents himself as supportive and understanding. However, as the investigation progresses, subtle hints of a darker side emerge. His character is largely one-dimensional, lacking the nuance required to make him a truly compelling suspect. He fits neatly into the innocent until proven guilty trope, but the film never fully commits to either absolving or condemning him, leaving his role ambiguous and ultimately unsatisfying.

Supporting Characters

The supporting characters, including the police officers investigating the case and Carolyn's friends, are largely relegated to the sidelines. They serve primarily to advance the plot and provide exposition, but they lack individual depth or meaningful contributions to the overall narrative. Their interactions often feel forced and unnatural, further detracting from the film's realism.

Themes and Motifs

Stolen Virginity attempts to explore several complex themes, but its execution is often clumsy and insensitive.

Consent and Sexual Assault

The film's central theme revolves around consent and the aftermath of sexual assault. However, its portrayal of these issues is problematic, as it frequently casts doubt on the survivor's account and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The film fails to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of consent and the trauma associated with sexual assault, instead opting for a more sensationalized and exploitative approach.

Memory and Trauma

The film also touches on the theme of memory and how trauma can affect one's ability to recall events accurately. However, this theme is used primarily to create confusion and uncertainty, rather than to explore the genuine psychological effects of trauma. The film's reliance on unreliable narration further undermines the survivor's credibility and perpetuates the misconception that memory discrepancies are indicative of fabrication.

Power Dynamics

The film subtly explores the power dynamics between men and women, particularly within the context of wealth and privilege. Ben's wealth and social standing afford him a certain level of protection and influence, which potentially impacts the investigation. However, this theme is not fully developed, and the film ultimately fails to provide a meaningful critique of societal power structures.

Critical Reception

Stolen Virginity received overwhelmingly negative reviews upon its release. Critics widely criticized the film's poorly written script, its underdeveloped characters, and its insensitive portrayal of sexual assault. Many reviewers argued that the film was exploitative and ultimately harmful, as it perpetuated harmful stereotypes and undermined the experiences of survivors.

Problematic Elements and Tropes

Stolen Virginity suffers from a number of problematic elements and relies heavily on tired tropes within the thriller genre.

The Unreliable Narrator Trope

The film heavily employs the unreliable narrator trope, which is often used to create suspense and uncertainty. However, in the context of a sexual assault narrative, this trope can be particularly harmful, as it reinforces the notion that survivors are inherently untrustworthy. By constantly questioning Carolyn's memory and motivations, the film inadvertently contributes to a culture of disbelief and skepticism surrounding sexual assault allegations.

The Vengeful Woman Trope

While not explicitly stated, the film subtly hints at the possibility that Carolyn is motivated by revenge, further undermining her credibility. This trope, often referred to as the vengeful woman, perpetuates the stereotype that women who report sexual assault are often seeking to punish or destroy men, rather than seeking justice and healing.

Sensationalism and Exploitation

The film's marketing and narrative choices often prioritize sensationalism and exploitation over genuine exploration of the issues at hand. The film focuses on the graphic details of the alleged assault and the subsequent investigation, without providing sufficient context or sensitivity. This approach ultimately trivializes the experiences of survivors and reduces a serious issue to mere entertainment.

Comparison to Other Films

To further understand the film's failings, it's helpful to compare it to other films that address similar themes with greater sensitivity and nuance.

As evidenced by the table, films like The Accused and Promising Young Woman tackle the sensitive subject matter with greater sensitivity, depth, and complexity compared to Stolen Virginity. While those films may have their own limitations, they largely avoid the pitfalls of sensationalism and exploitation that plague Stolen Virginity.

Conclusion

Stolen Virginity (2016) ultimately fails as a thriller and as a sensitive exploration of sexual assault. Its reliance on problematic tropes, underdeveloped characters, and a poorly written script undermines its attempt to address complex themes such as consent, memory, and power dynamics. The film's insensitive portrayal of the survivor, coupled with its sensationalized narrative choices, makes it a harmful and ultimately unsatisfying viewing experience. Rather than contributing to a meaningful dialogue about sexual assault, Stolen Virginity perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces a culture of disbelief. In conclusion, Stolen Virginity serves as an example of how not to approach sensitive subject matter in film, highlighting the importance of responsible storytelling and nuanced character development.