Cara Delevingne is a household name for anybody who was old enough to watch Paper Towns at the cinema. 2015 was Cara’s year, she was the face of what felt like everything, from Rimmel to Vogue, and YSL to Burberry. It probably surprises nobody reading this that I was obsessed.
Until a few months ago, it had been a long time since I’d heard her name mentioned, and then there was the red carpet moment with Megan Thee Stallion – the less said about that the better.
When I saw that Cara Delevingne had her own documentary series on BBC iPlayer, I knew that I had to give it a go – even just as something to fall asleep to. What followed was actually a very pleasant surprise!
Taking the title very seriously, Cara goes on a world tour, covering a staggering amount of miles to find out about all things sexuality, gender identity, and body positivity. The thought of some old person searching for Planet Earth and putting this on instead made me smile.
Admittedly, the series is a little cringey at times, with Cara saying things like “let’s get the 101 on the power packed in our pants” and performing for the camera. It’s a bit weird, but nobody could pull it off better than Miss Cara.
The episodes are divided into different categories of sex, beginning with “The Orgasm Gap”. We watch Cara go to an all-female sex party, create her own “vagina art”, and take part in a scientific study by having her blood taken before and after reaching climax.
Cara is incredibly open and brutally honest, sharing her internalised shame of being queer, as well as her heartbreak over past relationships. She is likable and annoying at the same time, which makes the show both watchable and slightly painful. Cara also reflects on her immense privilege in the show, acknowledging that she wouldn’t be where she is today without it.
This show is in your face, brutally honest, and opens up conversations about female pleasure. Whilst being hosted by a very different Cara to the one I obsessed over almost ten years ago, I am here for it.
Planet Sex is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.