This couple invented a cult sex toy

A new comedy film has hit Austrian cinemas, telling the story behind the invention of the popular sextoy Womanizer. The movie, titled "Chéri, ich komme!, Die Erfindung der Lust", opens on July 23 and follows the fictionalized lives of a couple who, over the course of more than two decades, develop a product designed to enhance female sexual pleasure. The narrative is loosely inspired by the real-life story of Michael and Brigitte Lenke, the German couple whose unconventional idea led to the creation of one of the world’s best-selling sextoys. The film's protagonists, named Fanny and Tom, are married for over 20 years when they admit they have never experienced an orgasm together. Tom, feeling personally challenged, turns this private struggle into a project aimed at solving the so-called Orgasm Gap, a phenomenon noted in studies showing that men in heterosexual relationships tend to reach climax more frequently than women. This concept became the catalyst for Michael Lenke, a Bavarian engineer, to begin experimenting with ways to better stimulate female genitalia through technology. Michael Lenke had come across research highlighting the disparity in sexual satisfaction between genders. He initially approached the issue as a technical challenge, questioning whether existing products adequately met the needs of many women. His early prototype used a modified aquarium pump to generate small air pulses, which he believed could stimulate the clitoris more effectively than traditional vibration-based devices. This rudimentary design eventually evolved into the Pleasure-Air-Technology that underpins the Womanizer brand. Working closely with his wife, Brigitte Lenke, Michael tested each new version of the device. She was not just his partner but also his primary test subject, though she described the process as more akin to professional work than intimate experimentation. The couple maintained open communication about their sexual experiences, a trait they attributed to their long-term relationship. They found that discussing such topics openly helped them refine the product while also deepening their connection. Brigitte emphasized that while their conversations were never shamed or awkward, there were moments when the level of detail felt unusual. However, both agreed that these discussions were essential for creating a product that truly addressed the needs of its users. For Michael, the goal was always to listen carefully to feedback and make necessary adjustments. “I could handle the technical side,” he explained, “but I could never judge how the final result would feel. That’s why Brigitte was crucial.” The film, directed by Reem Kherici, blends humor with heartfelt moments, portraying the couple’s journey as both a personal and professional endeavor. It highlights the challenges of developing a product that meets the complex needs of female sexuality while maintaining a balance between innovation and sensitivity. The cast includes French actors Alexandra Lamy and François Cluzet, who bring warmth and wit to their roles. The Lenkes themselves have remained supportive of the film, seeing it as a way to raise awareness about the importance of understanding and addressing gender differences in sexual satisfaction. They hope it will encourage more open dialogue around intimacy and technology, ultimately leading to better-designed products that respect and respond to the realities of human desire.