Joy

Grimy, seedy portrait of prostitution and sex trafficking captures an intimate and realistic view of its world, thanks to appropriately matter-of-fact performances by its cast; the Fagin-like shabby glamor of the “madame” figures is a stylistic highlight. Unfortunately it never really leads anywhere particularly interesting, lacking any moments of genuine catharsis; while its authenticity is to be admired, it isn’t appreciably different from many other works about life on the streets.