A Brooklyn stripper-cum-escort meets the son of a Russian oligarch and engages in a whirlwind romance resulting in elopement. Once news of this reaches his family back home, their future is threatened by a hired group of Armenian henchmen who seek to split the couple up. The first part of this movie plays out like a carefree love story, while the second half unfolds as an unpredictable comedic crime thriller full of edge and intensity.
Sean Baker's latest anti-mainstream film featuring unconventional characters might just be his best. It's all weirdly subversive and very funny, although the journey there is so stressful, I wouldn't want to take it again in a hurry. Mikey Madison is incredible in the lead role and gives it her all (in full naked glory). I loved reading that she declined an intimacy coordinator, which is why the whole thing feels so very raw and authentic. I wouldn't be surprised if plenty of accolades were in her future.
4 carat diamonds out of 5
