The Escort (2015)

What makes The Escort unexpectedly special is how it takes a premise that could’ve been lurid or cynical and turns it into a surprisingly warm, human, often funny two-hander about people trying to outgrow the stories they’ve trapped themselves in. Lyndsy Fonseca gives Natalie a sharp, grounded intelligence that never feels like a fantasy, while Michael Doneger lets Mitch be messy and needy without making him unbearable, and their chemistry keeps the film buoyant even when it brushes up against darker realities. The vibe is breezy and conversational—more character-driven dramedy than “issue movie”—with enough heart to make you root for both of them as they fumble toward something better. It’s definitely not for everyone given the frank sexual content and escort-world backdrop, but if you want a spirited romance with empathy, charm, and two leads who feel like real people, it’s an easy recommend.

The Escort wants to be a modern, slightly edgy rom-com with a conscience, pairing a messed-up journalist with a sharp, educated escort and hoping the chemistry does the heavy lifting. The problem is the writing often leans into on-the-nose, occasionally cringe dialogue and a very familiar “he learns, she softens, feelings happen” trajectory, so the premise feels more provocative than the movie actually is. Despite the subject matter, it plays surprisingly tame and safe, and the late-game drama can feel manufactured rather than earned. If you’re looking for a nuanced, realistic take on sex work or a genuinely daring comedy, this may disappoint, but if you can tolerate some predictability, Lyndsy Fonseca brings enough warmth and poise to make it intermittently watchable.