Directed by Anwar Kawadri, Sex with the Stars is a curious artefact of early 1980s British cinema. It sits in a unique space, attempting to blend the “confessions” style of British sex comedies with a sci-fi/fantasy framing device. Despite its provocative title, the film is often noted more for its surreal premise and its collection of cameos from various UK celebrities of the era.
The Synopsis
The film’s thin narrative thread follows an alien named Lulu who arrives on Earth from a distant planet. Her mission is a sociological one: she is tasked with investigating the various romantic and sexual habits of Earthlings.
As Lulu travels across the United Kingdom, her journey serves as an anthology of sorts, leading her into several disconnected vignettes. These segments range from slapstick domestic misunderstandings to satirical takes on modern relationships. Throughout her “research,” she encounters a variety of eccentric characters—played by a rotating cast of British television and film stars—who unwittingly demonstrate the awkwardness, humour, and absurdity of human intimacy. The film uses Lulu’s outsider perspective to poke fun at the social mores and hang-ups of 1980s Britain, framed through a lens of cheeky, low-budget science fiction.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
| Director | Anwar Kawadri |
| Lulu | Catherine Neilson |
| Professor | Barry Stokes |
| Guest Appearance | Sylvia Kristel |
| Guest Appearance | Ian Hendry |
| Guest Appearance | Tony Selby |
Production Notes
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A “Time Capsule” Cast: The film is perhaps most famous today for its eclectic supporting cast. It features brief appearances by notable actors like Ian Hendry (of The Avengers and Get Carter) and Sylvia Kristel (famed for the Emmanuelle series), though their roles are largely peripheral to the central alien plot.
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Genre Blending: Sex with the Stars arrived at the tail end of the “British Sex Comedy” boom of the 1970s. By 1981, the genre was struggling to find its footing, leading to experimental hybrids like this one that utilised sci-fi tropes to freshen up the familiar formula.
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The Director: Anwar Kawadri is perhaps better known for his work on more mainstream thrillers like Nutcracker (1982), but this film shows a more playful, albeit disjointed, side of his early career.
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British Humor: The “stars” referred to in the title are largely recognisable faces from British sitcoms and variety shows of the time, making the film a specific piece of nostalgic media for viewers of that particular television era.
