Paying For It

Talk about a hall of mirrors! Sook-Yin Lee adapts a graphic novel by her ex-boyfriend, Canadian cartoonist Chester Brown, about the end of their relationship in the early naughts and Brown’s subsequent decision to start paying for sex. Dan Beirne (The Twentieth Century) plays Brown, and he’s joined by a cast that includes Emily Lê (Riceboy Sleeps) as Sook-yin stand-in Sonny and Andrea Werhun (Modern Whore) as Yulissa, the sex worker who forms a long-term relationship with Brown.

The tone here is affectionately comedic, matter of fact, and sex positive, not salacious or leering. If you’re at all familiar with her work, you will know that Sook-Yin Lee is unafraid to venture into uncomfortable areas, but what comes through most strongly is her respect for the women involved, and the deep bond she still shares with Chester Brown. Beirne plays him as a calm, curious adventurer who diligently researches escort etiquette and whose forthright transactional approach may have you reconsidering social orthodoxy. Lê’s Sook-Yin substitute is likewise a charming presence, leading with her heart and making plenty of missteps as she navigates the uncertain territory of sex in the contemporary world.

Feb 15 & 16: Q&A with director Sook-Yin Lee

Displays a maturity and thoughtfulness all too rare when focusing on a subject like this.

Zachary Lee, rogerebert.com

A provocative romance in the style of Pedro Almodóvar (check out those bold primary colours) crossed with a documentary about alternative life paths. See where it goes.

Peter Howell, Toronto Star