IRINA PALM

Year: 2007
USA: Strand Releasing
UK: Soda Pictures
Cast: Marianne Faithfull, Miki Manojlovic, Jenny Agutter, Kevin Bishop, Siobhan Hewlett, Dorka Gryllus, Corey Burke, Meg Wynn-Owen, Susan Hitch, Flip Webster
Director: Sam Garbarski
Countries: Belgium / Luxembourg / UK / Germany / France
USA & UK: 103 mins
USA Rated: R for strong sexual content, nudity and language
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong sex, nudity and language
USA Release Date: 21 March 2008 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 13 June 2008 (Limited Release)


Synopsis

Middle-aged Maggie (Marianne Faithfull), is desperately searching for a way to get enough money for her grandson, Olly (Corey Burke), for the lifesaving medical treatment he needs. With all financial resources exhausted, Maggie tries her best to lift the dwindling hopes of her only son Tom (Kevin Bishop) and his wife Sarah (Siobhan Hewlett).

When a "Hostess Wanted" sign catches her eye, Maggie naively stumbles into a Soho sex club. The true job description is quite a surprise for the respectable, middle class widow, but unskilled Maggie accepts this as her fastest option to urgently earn much needed cash for grandson Olly.

Shy Maggie has a rough start at "Sexy World," more than just a train ride from her
conservative suburb. Wisecracking colleague Luisa shows her the ropes and the two
women strike a touching friendship. Tough guy owner Miki, a real ladies' man, reveals a
soft spot for dutiful Maggie, and transforms her into the much-in-demand and lucrative

While Maggie courageously proves to herself that she's not so old and useless after all as 'Irina Palm' at the 'Sexy World' club, her double life quickly attracts the attention of her gossipy neighbour's prying eyes. Attempting to remain steadfastly discreet in keeping the money's origins secret, discovery is inevitable and Maggie must confront provincial hypocrisy's ugly face, as well as question her own morals. As she holds her head high, gracious Maggie just might find more than family love...