Afternoon Delight

Housewife Rachel (Kathryn Hahn) has everything one could wish for: adorable children and a secure home with a pool and all the amenities in an affluent part of Los Angeles. The only thing missing is an exciting sex life, which has been swallowed up by everyday life. Rachel is unhappy, especially as she mourns her missed career opportunities. In order to spice up her marriage with her husband Jeff (Josh Radnor), the two organize a trip to a strip club. Here, Rachel encounters the young, blonde dancer McKenna (Juno Temple) – in a decidedly erotic way. Rachel is fascinated by McKenna and wants to offer her the chance for a new start. The 19-year-old moves out of her abusive home and in with Rachel – without Rachel informing Jeff about her new roommate beforehand. But McKenna doesn't take on a few household chores as hoped, but continues to sell her body to a few regular customers. The situation escalates when McKenna invites Rachel to accompany her to one of her clients... "Imposing talent Joey Soloway, who made her name writing for the hit TV series 'Six Feet Under', picked up a best director award at Sundance, with the movie's 'deft balance of tone' specifically noted in the citation. Certainly the precarious line between exploration and exploitation is walked with ease by Soloway, who directs with assured confidence and sympathy for all her characters. Relaxed, intuitive performances from the top-notch ensemble cast pay dividends, with Hahn commandingly stressy in the central role, and Michaela Watkins impressively abrasive as neighbourhood organiser-in-chief." (Mark Kermode, in: The Guardian)