'How to Have Sex' places strong emphasis on contemporary sexual and identity politics, at times overshadowing deeper character arcs. The casting and character focus seem aimed at ticking certain diversity and experience boxes more than organically developing the narrative. Some viewers may feel messaging occasionally takes precedence over nuance or realism.

This film explores youth, sexuality, and coming-of-age in ways that may be seen as undermining traditional notions of morality, family, and masculinity. While it stops short of outright ridicule, it hardly offers much reverence for tradition or more conservative frameworks around sex and relationships.

The film predominantly presents a modern, progressive view on sexuality, consent, and gender, with little room given to alternative perspectives. Traditional views are either sidelined or treated as outdated, leaving minimal ideological diversity within the story.