The Opposite of Sex

Sixteen year old Dedee Truitt travels to spend time with her gay half brother Bill and his partner Carl, and what begins as a casual visit quickly evolves into something explosive. Dedee's audacity and curiosity push boundaries as she targets Carl, triggering a collision of desire, loyalty, and deflection that unsettles both men. The consequences ripple outward to Bill's sister Lucia DeLury and the rest of the circle, turning ordinary moments into tense, revealing exchanges about love, power, and what people hide behind polished facades. The result is a darkly witty drama that pairs sharp dialogue with awkward real life drama, making familiar conflicts feel unexpectedly volatile and revealing. Despite the chaos, the film keeps a dry, witty tone.

Directed by Don Roos from his own screenplay, The Opposite of Sex premiered in 1998 at film festivals and quickly found a broader indie release. It marks Roos's breakout project, blending sharp satire with emotional honesty in a distinctly indie voice.

The film grossed about 5.9 million worldwide on a 5 million budget, reflecting modest art house earnings rather than a wide audience hit. It found its audience through strong critical notices and steady word of mouth, with festival play sustaining attention well after release.

The Opposite of Sex became a talking point in late 90s indie cinema. Christina Ricci delivers a fearless performance as Dedee and Lisa Kudrow brings a sly, memorable presence as Lucia. Its blunt treatment of sexuality and family tension sparked conversations and left a mark on the era's comedic mood. The movie also helped set a tonal standard for blunt frankness in adolescent and LGBTQ-adjacent stories.

Critics praised Roos's sharp script and the cast's daring work, though some found the tone abrasive. The film probes sexual identity, loyalty, and the costs of deceit, balancing go for broke humor with earnest moments that reveal the fragility of trust. Its unapologetic take on sexual politics continues to spark discussion about manipulation and the limits of personal freedom within family ties.