Review

Marianne Faithfull stars as Maggie, a middle-aged widow whose life largely consists of sharing tea with gossipy neighbors and sitting watch over her sickly grandson Ollie. When Ollie's parents are presented with a possible life-saving treatment, the family feels a rush of hope — only to have it dashed upon finding out it would cost them £6,000. Determined to raise the funds, Maggie seeks office and retail work in London, but is repeatedly rejected for lack of skills and experience. Begrudgingly, she ultimately answers a help-wanted sign in the window of a shop called Sexy World. Repulsed at first, Maggie gradually develops a reputation as the best "hostess" in the city and begins working under the stage name "Irina Palm," her confidence growing in step with her camaraderie among coworkers. At home, she goes to great lengths to keep the job a secret from her family and friends, but eventually is left no choice but to face their judgmental attitudes head-on. If the idea of Irina Palm registers the same kind of disgust in you, see it anyway. It will make you rethink your own preconceived notions and biases by showing a grandmother's love that can outweigh questions of morality.

 -- John Vettese