Ash’s review published on Letterboxd:
Appropriate Behavior is written, directed and starring Desiree Akhavan. It is about a young woman struggling with her bisexuality and relationships. While the film mainly revolves around her relationship with Maxine, the painfully accurate and awkward situations that many bisexuals encounter are definitely the highlights. I personally enjoy films that represent minorities and deal with issues of gender and sexuality. I find bisexuality to be pretty underrepresented.
Growing up was extremely confusing, there were gay and straight people. Bisexuality was a myth or rumor at best and this film nails all the reactions people have about it. “Is that a thing?” “I’m bisexual” “No, you’re not” “Wanna have a threesome?” Also, the constant need for people to try to label you as straight but confused or gay based on who you’re in a relationship with. It can be incredibly alienating and lonely and yes confusing.
People may find homosexuality more urgent to represent because of the political and social strife homosexuals are facing and have been but I don’t think that lessens the need to represent bisexuality. I like the way Desiree Akhavan chose to approach the issue of “coming out”. To a certain extent I agree with how the main character, Shirin, felt about it. It’s not fair to force someone else to come out on your terms, but I also understand Maxine’s frustration. It is something I struggle with and wonder if it’s even entirely necessary to do.
The OKcupid “date” she went on is just one of the dull horrors of being in your twenties. I, too, went on a “date” like this… except it was drinking 40s on train tracks and not on a porch. How more real can you get? I hope that there are more and more female directors coming out with movies like this. It’s refreshing and awesome to see films you can identify and relate while also being able to make you laugh. Aside from Ana Lily Amirpour, I will also be anxiously awaiting Desiree Akhavan’s next film!