Are Intimate S3X Scenes Necessary for the Plot & Should You Watch Them?

The short answer is “no” and really only a short answer is necessary as to why, but I will elaborate.

With the way cinematography is, there are enough ways to have an “intimate” innuendo that conveys an affair or one nightstand, etc. that is necessary to the plot. In fact, that is what determines a lot of “PG-13” films from “R” rated films.

Surprisingly, I have a modern day example that these scenes are not necessary: The Odyssey (based on Homer’s epic poem with the same title). I was planning on seeing the release of Christopher Nolan's adaptation at the movie. Before I went, I internet searched “The Odyssey intimate scenes."

Unlike Wolfgang Petersen’s adaptation of “Troy,” released in 2004 based on another Homer epic writing, "Iliad," "The Odyssey" by Nolan has zero sex scenes. There is innuendo and some kissing, but that is it. People on forums (yes; I dug deeper) actually questioned why he wouldn’t include the steamy scenes from Homer’s Iliad. Regardless, the movie is rated “R” for violence and scary mythical creatures.

I was happy to find this example in “The Odyssey,” because I was already planning on writing this blog and doing the podcast. This adaptation/movie is a big screen success of the summer of 2026 despite leaving out certain scenes that would have been welcomed by most viewers in the “R” rated category.

Okay. What If They're in the Movies? Should We Watch Them?

My feelings on this can get pretty strong. Growing up, I was allowed to watch pretty violent movies, but never movies with sexual scenes. That remains a standard to this day for myself as a middle aged lady. As a teen, my mom would always ask, “Would you watch that movie if the Blessed Mother was sitting next to you?” It didn't have to take Our Lady. It only took my mom to be incredible uncomfortable when we saw a movie with an unexpected intimate scene in it.

For me, there are a lot of things at play and a lot of people affected by these scenes, not just the viewer. Namely, the actors and people on set (recording, directing, etc.) However, we can address the viewer first.

The Viewers

Okay, I’ve established that the scenes aren’t necessary. Now what happens if they are in a movie you like? The scenes in “R” rated movies can vary from bad to much worse. I can’t sit here and say I’ve never seen one, but there’s been a lot of “ear muffing” myself (haven’t seen that movie) and “virgin-eyes’ing” myself, too. However, I am aware of scenes from kinda bad to “50 Shades of Grey” bad. My thoughts, though, cover all the bad.

I’ll try to make this quick and easy to think about yourself. Remove the TV screen. Imagine yourself sitting in the same room with people in bed/back of the car/on a couch doing what they are doing. I don’t think I even need to ask the rhetorical question of whether or not you would be uncomfortable or if you thought that was right to be present with them.

However, I’m going to extend it to the place of sin. Come on people. We shouldn’t be watching other people have the intimate act that should be kept between a man and his wife in the privacy of their home and bedroom. This is completely unnecessary to be watched by the viewer. Even if it it isn't hardcore pornographic, you should not be watching it.

I know of a man who is a recovering porn addict and he talks about movies with these scenes in them. He said his wife is fine, because she can just fast-foward them. However, he cannot. Give a recovering alcoholic a sip of alcohol and they won't stop. As a viewer, you will have to view a little bit of the scene before you are aware that you need to shut it off.

I want to refer you to my interview with Dann Aungst, founder of Road to Purity an organization to help men overcome sexual addiction. It was an eye opening conversation and in part we discuss what I'm addressing in this post. He directly speaks to the viewing of these scenes and whether or not we should support them at all.

YouTube Interview

Audio Interview

The Camera Men, Screenwriter, Director, Actors, etc.

If it is truly sinful to watch it, it is sinful to take part in it. If it is truly sinful, it was not just sinful the days it was recorded. It was sinful the first day, second day, and moving forward all the days in the time of production. Then it was released. Then every single time someone viewed it in the theater each viewer committed a sin.

After it leaves the theater, it will be sinful with each view until the end of time. How diabolical is that?

I know people will read this and be like oh this is just pious crap. The pornographic culture we live in makes all the above normal and out of the realm of sin. There was a time when this viewable material in both movies and TV shows was anything but normal. Our content now is more graphic than centerfolds of old magazines. There is a reason that the first woman to advertise the bikini was a stripper. No model at that time would pose in that immodest attire. Now women walk in public wearing little less than fig leaves.

I hope this article challenges your perspective on the types of movies and TV shows you decide to continue to watch and support. Let's make a resurgence of "modest is hottest" and turn away from the sin of lust and turn towards chastity.

Pax et Bonum,

Kristen von Clef, OFS