Features
Web Series Wednesday – Sideways Smile
By: Jamie Steinberg
WHAT? Sideways Smile
BY: Hang Nguyen
WHY SHOULD I WATCH?
Sideways Smile is a queer Asian-American comedy web series about the journey of sexual self-discovery. After admitting to faking orgasms and revealing she’s never actually had one, Alex (Kathy Huynh-Phan), a young Brooklynite, is reluctantly pushed into taking a class to get more in touch with her body. Alex’s eccentric queer roommate and best friend Dara (Diane Chen) fully supports Alex throughout her journey, almost embarrassingly enthusiastic about it. Each week Alex learns something new about sexuality and identity, opening her eyes to things she’s never considered before. As a young Asian American woman, society views her in a certain way. Will she live up to those expectations or forge her own path?
The series is based on creator Hang Nguyen’s personal experience with a class called “Femsex,” similar to the one Alex takes. Once Nguyen completed the class, she had a new perspective on different aspects of her identity and, through her personal journey of discovery, Sideways Smile was born. Inspired by shows like “Chewing Gum” and “Insecure,” Nyugen set out to showcase Asian American women in a way they rarely get to be seen; three-dimensional and flawed, the stars of their own stories.
Sideways Smile is one of the most complete web series I’ve seen, it hits every single mark and would fit in seamlessly alongside the same shows that inspired its creation. The humor is smart, having fictional versions of Scarlett Johansson (Zo Tipp) and Emma Stone (Michelle Vo) – the two white actresses most well-known for taking on Asian roles – portrayed as actual Asian Americans, is absolutely brilliant. I’ll never be able to stop thinking about it. The raw and candid discussions between Alex and Dara and the group discussions in Alex’s class are so genuine and truthful. And the episodes themselves touch base on themes and issues a lot of shows shy away from or play purely as a joke. Sideways Smile finds the perfect balance of commenting on the issues in society, both nuanced and blatant, while also weaving in laugh out loud gags and one-liners. Fetishization of certain races, anti-blackness from other communities of color and women taking control of their own sexual pleasure – these are all topics the series tackles head on, beautifully and hilariously so, and without pulling any punches.
Huynh-Phan’s performance is amazing. Alex is timid and shy, especially when the topic of sex is brought up, but throughout the series she slowly opens up. As she grows more comfortable with herself, her body and her own shortcomings, you literally see the change in the way she interacts with her peers. Huynh-Phan does an incredible job of making Alex likable and relatable right from the jump. Even when she’s struggling with her own subtle acts of racism, you know she’s just ignorant and willing to learn and do better. She makes it easy to accept her for her faults, while still holding Alex accountable.
If you have a chance to check out Sideways Smile, I can’t recommend it enough. For Asian American women who don’t get to see their stories told enough, this series is a true gem. But it’s also a great watch for anyone. It’ll open your eyes, make you think and bring you some serious joy.
WHERE CAN I WATCH? Episodes are being screened in various festivals throughout the month.
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