SqueakyLovesGeorgeSpahn

I expected it to be good as a Cannes winner, but not this originally hilarious, exciting and engaging. Ani, (an outstanding Mikey Madison, who should have her name on the Oscar if there was any justice) a stripper full of kindness that makes you root for her from the first minute, meets the son of an oligarch who happens to be a 21 year old still behaving like a spoilt 13 year old refusing to grow up but delighted to have discovered sex. In a way, Ivan epitomises younger slavic generations: dreamy and hopeful, hedonistic but clever, wild but submissive, funny (at the expense of others) & avoidant when most needed. I never thought I'd laugh so much in a film with such a plot. However, perhaps at times the writer and director overdoes it a bit and occasionally lacked an slightly more consistent dialogue . The thugs, although initially scary, end up softened and regretful, for they know they are fighting for the wrong side. The mother, of a ruthless efficiency, is probably the only character who actually has a clear head, for Ivan's dad, ironically, seems to enjoy his son's crazy act by proxy probably bored of his tedious billionaire's life. Some might say they all get what they bargained for. IMO, Ani only dreams of a new life, romantic love is just unknown territory, her only defect is being too naive and available. Moreover, she faces up the thugs and mega rich with well earned pride & show more class than anyone else. Her sex related job, was only that, a job, whereas the other ones are unaware that their duty is a lot more abhorrent and lives more fake. In a way, staying free of people who have money as a curse, might be her true strike of luck.

I cannot think of a more original film. It kind of takes the piss out of typical plots, and picks on certain characters to a humilliating degree. Colin and Lulu keep us waiting and waiting, will they get it on or not? And Beverly is like Otto Preminger's "Laura " only with poorer lines, or shall I say grumblings. IMO this film's an 8 but give it a 9 to make up for all the harsh ratings. The actors are awesome, particularly the ever so underrated Ms. Plaza, the script perhaps lacked a bit of X factor to make it a cult classic. Regarding many slagging it, some people deserve to be stuck wathing Friends repeats of their perfect (white) New York City world forever and ever, and leave smart, intriguing, ironic, surreal and witty comedies to us searchers and connoisseurs.