A smart, sexy and soulful portrait of Max (Ruaridh Mollica), a good-looking young writer working for a magazine and living in London. He also secretly sidelines as a sex worker, chronicling each sordid encounter as chapters in a proposed novel.
But there is more going on than just filthy fodder for fiction. Max enjoys these sexual trysts, especially the lust and longing his body brings to his johns. He also calls himself “Sebastian,” to prospective clients, further creating a protective shell around his sense of self.
“You’ve got that whole boy next door thing going on but it’s pure filth underneath,” a client comments to him afterwards. He starts slacking at work and his book gets slightly derailed when he begins to form a loving relationship with an erudite, much older trick.
Not all of this is glamorous or titillating, but there is an emotional honesty to it. The director, Mikko Makela, wisely isn’t out to make this a depressing walk on the wild side. There is a refreshing sex positivity about Max’s erotic journey. It makes you really want to read his book.
Opens Friday, August 2 at IFC Center (323 6th Ave.)
