More than 20 years after the release of the controversial movie 9 Songs, actress Margo Stilley is still standing by her work. The steamy romance 2004 film, directed by Michael Winterbottom, became widely known for its real-life intimate scenes, which sparked major debate when it first came out.
The movie tells the story of a very intense relationship between two characters, Matt (played by Kieran O’Brien) and Lisa (played by Stilley). What made the film so talked about was its decision to include unsimulated sex scenes, something rarely seen in mainstream cinema at the time.
When the film was released, many critics reacted strongly. Some reviews were negative, and the movie scored low on review sites. However, Margo Stilley has never apologized for taking part in it.
In a 2024 interview with LADbible, she explained that she did not expect such a huge reaction. She said she did not realize the film would cause so much anger and discussion. She shared that she felt she became a symbol of public debate about sexuality in Britain.
Years earlier, in a 2005 interview with The Guardian, Margo Stilley said she was “proud” of the film. She explained that she wanted to show intimacy in a more honest and natural way, instead of how it is often shown in movies.
Director Michael Winterbottom also defended the project, saying part of the goal was to question why showing sex on screen is considered wrong.
Margo Stilley has since built a steady acting career, appearing in projects like The Trip, The Royals, and How to Lose Friends & Alienate People.
Looking back, the actress says she still believes in the message of the film. Even though it caused controversy, she sees it as an important artistic choice that reflected her values at the time.
The debate around 9 Songs continues, but Stilley remains confident in her decision and her performance.