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Penthouse. Playboy. A nubile blonde, brunette or redhead (delete as appropriate) wearing revealing nylon lingerie, an expression to match, and a variety of toys that Honey I Blew Up The Kids star Rick Moranis may have tampered with. The story of a sex worker massaging her way to financial security would indeed suggest the picture painted above. But Irina Palm, the fifty-something hostess? You heard right. Belt up; this is going to be a bumpy ride.
Maggie, as played by songstress Marianne Faithfull is a grandmother and widow, whose perilously ill grandson Olly continues to suffer from a life-threatening disease. Having exhausted all possible medicinal routes in the UK, the family is told that the only remaining cure lies in Australia. Olly’s parents Tom (Kevin Bishop) and Sarah (Siobhan Hewlett) have no assets, no bank credit, in short no money. The treatment is pro bono, however the flights and accommodation not.
Following what is frankly a dubious and limited search for employment, Maggie walks disheartened through the streets of London’s Soho, the capital’s famous red-light area. It is here, amongst the sex shops that she happens upon the sign that will steer the course of her pension-approaching years, but also those of her family: “Hostess Required Excellent Rates.”
A rather uncomfortable interview ensues with Sexy World club owner Miki, who asks “Do you know what a hostess is?” followed by the more elucidatory: “Do you know what a euphemism is?” And with a stroke of her hand Maggie is put to work as a “whore”, manned with only lubricant and a focused motivation to earn sufficient funds.
Although sub-plots are rarely developed, rather acting as devices that punctuate, leaving the viewer to conclude. The fact that Irina Palm is hugely popular is in itself humorous, a facet corroborated by Maggie’s work-caused infliction – penis elbow. Repetitive Strain Injury, a workstation confettied with personal articles, and a packed lunch complete with Thermos suggest a white-collar worker, minus the pension plan. Instead Maggie is a faceless tabard-wearing employee, akin to a factory worker rather than the exotically sexy and popular Irina.
As a film piece, director Sam Garbarski captures a very real side of sex clubs whilst avoiding gratuitous shots that may sexualize the narrative. That said there are moments when the surrounding Dolby speakers are infiltrated by the sound of men being jerked-off through a glory hole. By exploiting the cinema as a multi-sensory experience, Garbarski reinforces Maggie’s new reality: the polar opposite of her bridge-playing past.
Marianne Faithfull’s depiction of a woman leading a double life in order to save her grandchild is engaging. Supported by Miki Manojlovic’s club owner, somehow the absurdity of the situation becomes acceptable – to the audience rather than her family. Struggling father and son Tom, played by Kevin Bishop known for his comedic roles in Star Stories is convincing in his role as the disgusted son. However, the memory of Bishop’s previous roles as George Michael and Simon Cowell are hard to extinguish, in spite of his sincerity.
Although a little dubious at times, once we accept the predicament it is easier to see how each character deals with their situation. Daughter-in-law Sarah succinctly surmises Maggie’s efforts beyond the squalid: "Most people say they'd do anything for their kids," whilst suggesting that sadly many do not.
As dark as Joshua Marston’s Maria Full of Grace but with the comparable solace, Irina Palm illustrates that from an utterly dire situation a silver lining can appear. Just don’t take your own family to watch it.
Credits
Director: Sam Garbarski
Cast: Marianne Faithful, Miki Manojlovic, Kevin Bishop, Siobhan Hewlett, Doris Gryllus, Jenny Agutter
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