The first scene in this film is a dolly shot down a row of erotic dancers plying their trade on customers’ laps. This unabashed nudity and sexuality pervades the first half of the film. Mikey Madison plays the title character, a sex worker from Brooklyn who meets and impulsively marries the son of a rich Russian oligarch. When his parents find out, thugs are dispatched to intervene. That’s when the film takes a turn for the comic. The efforts to correct the situation are chaotic and crazy. Thanks to bold, yet subtle performances, the cast is loaded with traditionally despicable people who are fun to watch. Writer/director/editor Sean Baker delights in interesting characters put in unique situations and this film continues that tradition. It’s wild and witty, funny and sad, insane and sweet. One of the year’s most memorable movies. 
(5 / 5)
