In the Mood? is arriving this July as a cinematic companion for those seeking more than just a movie night—it’s a guide to the films that stir something deeper. Published by A24, the book doesn’t rank films by box office or release date. Instead, it groups them by feeling: ‘Flirtation and Foreplay,’ ‘Sexual Awakenings,’ and ‘All-Out Kink.’
From the restrained longing of Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer in The Age of Innocence to the raw energy of Showgirls, the selections span decades and tones. Some are celebrated hits like Casino Royale; others, like the 2016 French film Théo & Hugo, are quiet, lesser-known treasures that linger in memory. The editors, Veronica Fitzpatrick and Elissa Suh, didn’t just pick scenes that were explicit—they picked ones that felt alive, authentic, even messy. ‘We wanted to make space too for different kinds of feelings, like shame,’ Suh says.
A Menu for Moments, Not a Textbook
The book isn’t meant to be studied. It’s meant to be picked up, flipped through, and used. ‘Want to watch a movie?’ is a universal signal, Fitzpatrick notes, and this guide turns that phrase into a shared language. Whether you’re alone or with someone special, the chapters act less like film criticism and more like a playlist of moods—each title a quiet invitation.
James Spader and Juliette Binoche emerged as unexpected anchors. ‘Those are our patron saint perverts,’ Fitzpatrick laughs, pointing to their roles in films that turned glances into longing and silence into tension. The editors rewatched dozens of scenes, testing whether the heat held up past nostalgia. ‘It wasn’t just what we remembered from when we were 16,’ Suh says. ‘It had to still feel real.’
For the Quiet Nights
In the Mood? doesn’t judge. It doesn’t declare what’s good or bad, tasteful or taboo. It simply gathers the films that made people pause, blush, or lean closer. There’s no ranking, no ratings—just a collection of moments that, for better or worse, stuck. It’s not about the sex on screen. It’s about what happens after the credits roll: the silence, the shift, the unspoken. For those planning a weekend that’s less about the destination and more about the atmosphere, this book might just be the perfect place to start.
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Frequently asked questions
What is In the Mood? by A24?
In the Mood? is a curated selection of erotic films designed to help you choose the perfect movie for a quiet night in or a shared moment.
How does In the Mood? organize its film selection?
The book groups films by feeling: 'Flirtation and Foreplay,' 'Sexual Awakenings,' and 'All-Out Kink,' rather than by era or box office performance.
Who are the editors behind In the Mood?
Veronica Fitzpatrick and Elissa Suh are the editors of In the Mood?, which is published by A24.
What is the purpose of In the Mood?
The book aims to provide a playful index for intimate moments, helping readers choose the perfect movie for a quiet night in or a shared moment.
