Review of Girlfriend Experience (2008) by Bex G — 09 Jan 2010

"The Girlfriend Experience' is five days in the life of Chelsie, a high class escort in New York, as she navigates her clients, her love life (she has a boyfriend) and her career. Told non-consecutively (effects are seen before the cause, stories are non-linear) and documentary style, this is a very stark and non-sexual look at something that most people would find either romantic or degrading.

This film requires concentration; it does not engage or draw you in or explain itself- it doesn't even seem to care if you are there at all. The supporting characters are barely introduced, let alone fleshed out - which is fine, because this is the story of Chelsie - but Sascha Grey isn't personable enough to make up for that lack, because the character of Chelsie is as flat and undefined as the rest of them.

However, for those who persevere, there is a quality to Chelsie and her story that keeps you watching and thinking about it after the movie stops. While I'm not saying that it's the best movie out there, or even that it's good, it was an interesting watch that I may have to visit again.