Despite its title, it is not erotica. Rather, it is a provocative, sometimes painful, examination of how communication, or lack thereof, can affect relationships. The story concerns a husband and wife, her sister, and his college friend. The way these four relate is the crux of the film. Soderbergh uses his now trademark voice-over, overlapping narration to keep the story moving at a rapid pace.
Every shot is necessary, and done for a reason.
When the husband is quizzing his wife, she doesn't answer. She doesn't have to. The close-up of her facial expression says it all. Soderbergh also uses their surroundings to give insight into the characters. The couple's marriage is a sham.