Taron Egerton stars in “Everybody Wants to Fuck Me,” a darkly comedic debut feature that blends romantic comedy with body horror and satirical commentary on gender dynamics. The film centers on Adam, a charming London gallery associate who maintains a carefully curated image of sensitivity and sophistication to seduce women, only to quickly discard them afterward. His routine of performative kindness and carefully selected accessories—from feminist film posters to literary references—masks his genuine indifference toward his romantic interests.
Director Jonathan Schey’s genre-bending approach initially presents itself as a smart, contemporary romance story before pivoting unexpectedly into supernatural territory. The narrative shift introduces body horror elements reminiscent of David Cronenberg’s work, creating a provocative commentary on desire and consequence. Following its well-attended Toronto premiere, the film appears poised to generate significant online discussion, though the tonal shift may prove divisive among audiences expecting a traditional romantic comedy.
Egerton delivers a witty, self-aware performance that anchors the swerving narrative, demonstrating strong comedic timing throughout the film’s sillier moments. Supporting cast members, including Jessica Henwick as an acerbic academic who challenges Adam’s manipulative behavior, provide compelling counterpoints to the protagonist’s shallow worldview. While the film’s sexual politics occasionally fall short of its progressive intentions, Schey demonstrates remarkable technical confidence for a directorial debut, drawing inspiration from contemporary Scandinavian relationship comedies in its stylistic approach.
