For years, the female orgasm has been something unspeakable—taboo. Even today, despite the amount of information we can access online, many women are kept in the dark when it comes to the many ways they can receive pleasure, leading some to avoid masturbation altogether. CLIMAX is on a mission to make a difference. As the first educational series dedicated to female pleasure, CLIMAX aims to change mentalities by promoting a healthy masturbation education. Here’s exactly how and why CLIMAX wants to help you cum.

CLIMAX’s first season has a total of 32 episodes, which includes 17 episodes on the most popular techniques of external stimulation of the clitoris. The series, which is the result of the collective experience of tens of thousands of women through testimonies, studies, and the latest American and European scientific discoveries, is far from your middle school sex education videos on contraception and puberty.

Screen Shot spoke to CLIMAX’s founder Laurène Dorléac about when she first realised she needed to create the platform. “Not only is female pleasure little known but I also realised that the taboos on this subject were still very present. Many of my friends have shared with me their difficult relationship with sexuality in connection with physical, psychological or cultural blockages. All these blockages are nurtured by the idea that sexuality is innate and should therefore not be talked about! In reality, we all deserve to learn about sexuality and masturbation.”

That’s what makes CLIMAX episodes feel like a breath of fresh air. Filmed without any filter, metaphorical images or illustrations, they speak about the female anatomy and don’t shy away from close-ups. Episode one, for example, starts by teaching viewers about the vulva and its infinite variations, thus promoting body positivity while clearly stating that “there are as many shapes of vulva as there are shapes of nose. There is no such thing as ‘normal’ with regards to genitalia.”

More than 1 in 5 of American women have never masturbated. Over 1 in 4 people were unable to identify the clitoris on a diagram. If this doesn’t encourage you to learn more about female pleasure, then CLIMAX surely will. In 2019, the platform interviewed 107 European women of all ages to gain a thorough understanding of their masturbation practices, queries and expectations. It also gathered their testimonials to create the best range of advice for partners. 32 episodes resulted from these testimonies.

Furthermore, Dorléac, who is French, told us about her hopes and dreams for CLIMAX to potentially, one day, become the educational norm in her home country. “In France, 14 per cent of boys cite porn as the main source of information about their sexuality, versus 1 per cent of girls. 18 per cent of 15 to 24 year-old boys think watching porn is a good way to learn to have sex, and 84 per cent of 13 year-old girls do not know how to represent their genitalia.”

Although the series’ main aim is to educate, it also goes further than that. CLIMAX’s manifesto clearly states that it is “part of a movement […] that is shaking off old taboos and pushing new boundaries. This is an inclusive movement, made up of people of all gender expressions and identities, inviting everyone on a journey of exploration and connection. Together, we are learning how to love ourselves, prioritise self-care, treat one another the best we can, and start to feel ever more connected.”

And what better way to fight against the stigma that surrounds the discussion of female masturbation than by discovering the best ways for a woman to cum? CLIMAX’s first 17 episodes on this topic allow viewers to see masturbation as a form of self-care, an act of relaxation and connection, for both body and spirit.

Among CLIMAX’s most effective masturbation techniques are the straddle technique, the ‘envelope’ technique, the ‘jeans’ method, and many others. The first season also reminds viewers of the importance of caressing—be that your body or someone else’s. CLIMAX teaches women how to touch themselves but also takes the time to speak to potential partners watching too, who might be willing to learn more about female pleasure.

In addition, CLIMAX offers 6 breathing exercises for those who would like to better control their pleasure, as well as a special package mainly intended for couples or partners wishing to broaden their knowledge.

The educational platform comes close to perfection in its approach, but misses one thing, which is actually stated on its website: “While we have tried to be as neutral as possible in our choice of pronouns and language, we also recognise that there is more work to be done, as we continue to build a movement that encompasses all forms of gender expressions, sexual orientation, lifestyles and expectations.” Couples advice also seems to be mainly aimed at heterosexual couples, which is something the platform is currently working on.

Still, CLIMAX should be praised as the first educational platform working on teaching anyone the essential methods for both receiving and giving more pleasure. Feeling curious? CLIMAX officially launches in the UK this Monday 1 September. Can’t wait until then? CLIMAX also sends a free episode to those interested in learning more about their own pleasure. And, while you enjoy all of season 1’s 32 episodes, keep in mind that there already is a season 2 on internal pleasure in the works. As Dorléac said herself, “Just take time to explore your body and be the first to do it, don’t wait for someone else to do it for you.”

Let’s be honest here, who has never rewatched a steamy movie scene just to feel the thrill of great on-screen chemistry once more? I know the answer is yes for a lot of you, just like I now know why I religiously watched so many of those lousy chick flicks as a teen; for the exhilarating thrill that I used to feel when the main characters would (finally) get it on. Growing up, we usually ditch the cheesy movies and end up looking for this exact same feeling in other types of movies, some more mature ones.

If, like me, you’re on a constant quest for the hottest movies out there, I’ve listed the sexiest ones to watch on Else Cinema, my new go-to streaming platform when it comes to erotica. Looking for a sensual romance? Else Cinema has got it. Are you more into passionate affairs? Don’t stress, Else Cinema is here for that too! Here’s my top 10 of the sexiest movies to watch on Else Cinema right now. You’re welcome.

Did you just spend a few months working from home, stuck in a chain of video calls? If so, you might have thought about the hot potential of webcams when it comes to erotic experiences—my techy-but-horny self definitely did. Well, SkypeSex, directed by the founder of Else Cinema and erotic film director, screenwriter and producer, Erika Lust herself, is the answer to all your lockdown dreams and hopes.

One of the best feelings (or worst if you expected someone there with you, it truly depends on the situation) is getting comfortable in your bed alone, fully knowing you’re about to enjoy a relaxing solo session, if you know what I mean. But getting in the mood for it can sometimes be tricky. Fear no more, Be a Hero is probably the hottest movie you could watch while literally enjoying yourself. Short and sweet, it’ll get you off in no time.

Sometimes, I feel like I’m on the hunt for something more subliminal—something that will arouse me in every sense of the term; physically, for sure, but also mentally. The Gardener depicts hot, neon-lit sweaty people having suffocatingly erotic fun in what looks like a muggy jungle. If you’ve always had a thing for succulents and cacti, then you’re in for a treat.

As much fun as Tinder can be at first, the thrill of the dating app often fades away only to be quickly replaced by constant left swiping and unopened DMs filled with cringey one-liners. That’s usually when people know the thrill is gone and it’s time for them to go look somewhere else—anywhere Else really. Well, Tinder Taxi is the story of a woman who, after going through that same process, finds her new interest in the front seat of a taxi. Maybe that sounds cliché but trust me, it’s just pure hotness.

Can’t wait to go through the whole list before testing Else Cinema? We feel you, no judgement here! Click here to enjoy your one-month free subscription on Else Cinema. Don’t thank us babes, just enjoy!

Remember the first kiss that Oliver and Elio share in Call Me By Your Name? Although Oliver doesn’t let him finish, Elio sneaks in a little hand action on a grassy riverbank and the fact that this scene never went further left so many of us frustrated for days. That’s where The Outdoor Compilation comes in. From a warm summer’s day taking place in the 70s to a hike that turned into another sweaty activity, the one-hour-long compilation doesn’t miss a beat. If you’ve always had a little self-display fantasy out in the open air, The Outdoor Compilation is the one for you.

Ever heard of a gripping psychological thriller with steamy erotica that will keep you hooked until the very end? Me either, until now. Made of different episodes put together into one movie, Perspective follows a couple in the final days of their marriage and shows the real impact that emotion plays in relationships. Each episode delves into the complexity of a modern relationship and depicts both partners’ perspective, creating a captivating yet sexy cinematography. What more could you ask for?

Let’s mention dirty talk while we’re at it, how could we not? While it can sometimes be the sexiest thing ever, dirty talk can often scare people away, which is a shame. Want to reignite your love for dirty talk? Just watch A Talk Too Dirty, which tells the story of a trendy couple celebrating their anniversary on a romantic trip to Barcelona. One thing leading to another, they decide to spice things up by playing a little game and end up experimenting with dirty talk. Oohlala!

To all my lovey-dovey peeps out there, don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about you. If dirty talk is not your bag, Else Cinema has a full category devoted to the lovey-dovey genre, which is basically a softer, more sensual approach to erotica. My favourite one, My Moaning Neighbor tells the story of a man trying to work from home and struggling to concentrate because his neighbour makes sure to be really loud every time she sleeps with someone.

Armed with a noisy hoover and a compilation of barking dogs, the man finally makes himself heard by his neighbour who ends up knocking on his door. You guessed it, the fight turns into a make out session and more. If your date is not getting the signals you’ve been sending them since you both got back to your place, trust me, this will do the trick.

Have you pretty much seen it all, tried it all? Then, The Ultimate Kink will probably be the movie that will push you to look further. In it, a female couple who have clearly tried it all realise that they’ve missed one last thing: a man. I won’t ruin the fun by revealing too much but let’s just say the guest quickly realises he’s not playing with beginners…

Are you as busy as everyone seems to constantly be? Or perhaps you simply don’t have the attention span needed to watch a one-hour-long—what am I saying—a 20-minute-long movie? I feel you, and I’ve got your back. Honeydew is sexy, sweet and short. 6 minutes long, this bite-sized movie focuses on honey and its many benefits once spread on something other than a piece of toast.

Did you find one movie made for you? Even better, did you find more than one? Well, get comfy, take everything off and click here to enjoy your one-month free subscription on Else Cinema. It’s on us!