The Escort (2015) User Reviews

Before I Buy You A Drink, Or Before The Blow Job?

[TheAnimalMother · 6/10 · 26 February 2016]

This film is worth a look if it sounds interesting to you. Never mind the really low rating on IMDb, that's likely only because a bunch of horny people watched this thinking that it would be full of sex, and then were disappointed when they found almost none here. Lyndsy Fonseca gives a very strong performance and the two leads have good chemistry. This film is guaranteed to make you laugh as well, that is if you give it a chance. I found the film a little weak in the early stages, but it definitely picks up as it goes. Bruce Campbell also gives a memorable and funny performance. 6.5/10

Actually the rating on this site has recovered a little since I first wrote this. Good to see!

I'm an escort myself and I enjoyed it quite a lot

[martagularte · 6/10 · 16 November 2015]

'The Escort' covers much of what we do as a job, and it's even a touching movie. It goes about love, drama, touching moments, and even humor. The relationship between the two partners is really well done as they struggle with their own lives. The performance is quite good on most cases although there's some overacting by some of them. It's not the first time this story is told on movies, as you already know, but this is kinda a more contemporary version of it. As I said, I'm an escort myself and I find that the movie doesn't offend our profession on any level. Obviously it's not the best movie out there, so I gave it only a 6/10, still, if you work on this profession you're definitely going to enjoy it.

The more realistic 'Pretty Woman' of the 10's

[Thijs79 · 7/10 · 30 July 2015]

In the end of my childhood I have seen Pretty Woman a few times. Later in my twenties I have watched the movie again. And then you realize this movie is not so romantic anymore. It's just a lucky (beautiful) prostitute that gets an (attractive) rich guy. That movie is told like a beautiful fairy tale with a happy end.

This movie comes much closer to reality. The main story line of the movie is predictable, but there are enough enjoyable moments to like this movie. Also the chemistry between the main characters makes it fun to watch.

The motivation of the main characters makes the story believable and you can empathize with them; cyberbullying, loneliness, self esteem, money problems, family issues, addictions, rejection and of course the 'is love real' question.

So Yes, it's not a 'Pretty Woman' fairy tale and NO it's also not based on a true story, it's something in between and that makes is worth the effort to watch.

I liked it

[Sergiodave · 6/10 · 13 February 2021]

A romantic comedy about an Escort and a Journalist. Luckily it's not attempting to be a new 'Pretty Woman', instead its just a pleasant romantic comedy about two people searching for love. It won't win any awards, but it was worth seeing.

The Escort: a nice Comedy.

[niutta-enrico · 7/10 · 13 October 2015]

I hope that talking about sex doesn't bother you, otherwise you won't be able to appreciate this comedy.

It's a love story spiced with some very good characters. Lindsy Fonseca is pretty (as she was in Kick-Ass) and Michael Doneger plays the part very well: he also wrote the script (together with Brandon A. Cohen), which is an always noteworthy something.

The story flows fluidly until its natural end and effortlessly keeps your attention high. It deals with talented (and good looking) young people living unusual and interesting lives. And the result is entertaining.

Pretty good ...

[tmf084 · 7/10 · 15 August 2015]

The movie stays away from the damsel in distress theme and the female lead is a strong independent woman whose motives, feelings and thoughts are explored throughout the movie. It's awful that it needs to be mentioned, but that's one of the few movies where I think the female lead is portrayed as a real person. Fonseca with her stellar performance round it off and make her character very relatable. Unfortunately Doneger's character is a tad underdeveloped which makes him a lot more the typical RomCom lead, with all the tropes and predictability. And in my opinion most of it is due to the fact that they went for the typical 3 act structure, which wouldn't have been necessary, considering the chemistry the leads have. Bottom line, the movie is worth watching if you're not totally opposed to RomComs. The story has redeeming qualities, the acting is good and the ending, although predictable, has a bit of a twist. And Bruce Campbell is in it.

When pretty woman met girl next door.

[dhwanishshah · 7/10 · 19 August 2021]

The movie was ofcours heartwarming. Because the movie is line to line, scene to scene as it is like a romcom should be, and 80% of problem in the plot is solved by how beautiful and presentable Lyndsy fonseca is, not the most realistic and well written rom com out there. But kinda worth the watch because the duration is under 1 and half hour. Try it but not with huge hopes. But it will sure break the ice, uplift your mood.

Three MALE screenwriters perpetuate the myth that sex workers aren't damaged by their profession

[aarpcats · 3/10 · 13 February 2020]

What's missing? Drug addiction.

Seriously, a friend who went to a good college, came from a good home and a Mensa membership became a high class escort to pay for school. She left the business with a drug habit, several stab wounds and a legacy of pain. She died from an overdose a decade later.

Sex workers are people. Some of them do go on to graduate school and a happy life, but most do not. Screenplays like this one only deepen the callous disregard with which men use them.

The actors do a great job, but cannot overcome the smarminess of the premise. If you want to see a romcom where broken people fall in love and heal each other, see "Silver Linings Playbook."

Refreshing!

[SaarahN · 6/10 · 28 May 2016]

The above synopsis (that written on this Amazon page, next to the film title) is all wrong. So I will attempt to write my own.

The Escort is a sincerely honest film following the life of a young, female escort (Natalie) who feels 'forced' into the profession because of a past experience. When she catches the attention of a young unemployed 'journalist' (Mich), who is also a sex addict, she finds herself questioning her lifestyle. I'm kidding, they actually happen to have a lot of common ground- who'd have thought? So there is no judgement of one another, and they devise an agreement to help one another: Natalie agrees to be the subject of a controversial journalism project, that may just win Mich the career of his dreams. And, Mich agrees to serve as Natalie's protection and security (against reckless, violent clients), per Natalie's request. They hit it off, as friends, getting to know one another. But then, they become more....but are either of them ready for that? Natalie pursues a sex-filled life because it's all she can do. For Mich, it's all he wants to do.

This film is very mature, but surprisingly there is no nudity. And the acting and casting choices were commendable. It really worked. I would say there definitely was comedy in this, but it wasn't very strong. The only comedy I appreciated was how Mich's family and friends reacted to the revelation of him being a sex addict. What I didn't appreciate was having a twelve-year-old curse and utter such profanities -this is not comedy. Having to resort to this, to get a laugh from the audience is cheap and crass. I would say this film is more of the drama genre.

The only other thing I didn't like was how Mich had no respect for women, he used them for sex and then, dismissed them easily. This was expected of course, (for a sex addict), but I didn't like it.

It was strangely refreshing to find that this was not a film where love forcefully changes you. Instead they made the choice to change their lifestyles for love, there was no obligation to do so: it was based on opportunity. This means that Mich was not her 'saviour', she was an independent but lonely woman. She didn't need him, she wanted him. If that's not love, I don't know what is.

Likewise, it was also refreshing to find that Natalie was not brought into the 'escort' business because of a poor upbringing, 'that it was all she ever knew'. It wasn't that at all, she was actually Stanford -educated. Such controversy.

Not a single scene that rings true

[utgard14 · 3/10 · 23 August 2015]

A journalist (Michael Doneger) with a sex addiction tags along with an escort (Lyndsy Fonseca) so he can write a story about her and land a job he desperately needs. Of course, if you've seen any movie ever, you know they fall for each other. Man I just can't stress enough how much I hated this movie. It is quite possibly the most unrealistic movie I've ever seen and I'm including movies with talking pigs and sparkling vampires. Michael Doneger is a charmless leading man I don't ever want to see in anything again unless it's the character of "unnamed copy boy #3" in the background. Lyndsy Fonseca is certainly attractive and I know from other work of hers that she can do better when the material is good. No one could've made this stinker work. Even Bruce frigging Campbell couldn't save it, although he certainly tries to make the most of his unfortunately small role.

Other reviewers made the obvious comparison to the quintessential hooker movie, Pretty Woman. But I disagree with the idea that this is in any way a more realistic movie than Pretty Woman (which was high up there on the unrealistic scale). I also disagree strongly that this movie represents a step forward at all. I get that we live in the age of giving hookers PC names like 'sex worker' but let's get real here. Glorifying prostitution is not empowering women. Beyond the subject matter, there's little to compare this to Pretty Woman. It's not romantic and certainly never funny. The scenes designed to pull at the heartstrings fall flat because you never care about these characters. They're so unconvincing and, frankly, unlikable that if the movie had ended with them being hit by a bus I would have cheered. There's not one sincere, honest moment in this whole cliché-ridden mess of unbelievable characters in far-fetched situations. I hope the reviewers giving this glowing praise were well-compensated; otherwise I just feel sad for humanity. Avoid this movie even if you have a chance to see it for free.

Touching.

[roboverdijk · 8/10 · 11 August 2015]

I'll keep this short; 'The Escort' has covered most of a touching movie. Bouncing between the edges of morality, love, humour and drama you'll find a chemical reaction between two well played characters both struggling with their shadow sides of life.

Both Fonseca and Doneger performing par excellence and in contrast to the sufficient (sometimes close to over-)acting by Campbell and other co-stars.

The story itself is a contemporary version of existing grandeurs like 'Pretty Woman' and 'Indecent proposal'. If there is anything negative to mention it is the lacking depth and meagre storyline.

Not a rough diamond but certainly a polished ruby, well worth viewing.

A woman that needs no saving gets saved by a guy who doesn't want to save her

[siderite · 6/10 · 4 September 2015]

As a romantic comedy it is not bad, but that means very little, since the standard for these things is pretty low. The biggest sin of the film is that it doesn't have anything new to bring to the table. From the moment you read the description or from the first five minutes you know what is going to happen and how it is going to happen.

Yes, Lyndsy Fonseca is damn cute and yes, the film does star Bruce Campbell. But guess what? She is boring and he is not funny. And the "hip" references of the film are actually quite insulting and show the indifference, incompetence or both of the people who wrote the script.

Bottom line: I see no reason why anyone would watch this film. Not because it is awful, but because unless you are a hooker with feelings for someone or a sex addict who needs a hooker as a girlfriend it is unlikely you will feel anything for any of the characters.

Facepalm

[KineticSeoul · 3/10 · 3 August 2015]

From the start it seemed like it might be a alright straight to DVD movie that tries to emulate an Apatow film. But as the movie progressed, it got duller and duller. The interactions got boring and the lead male protagonist who plays this sleazy and yet pedantic journalist was super not likable. I didn't like the comedic side of things in this movie because it fails. But the emotional side of things when it comes to sharing the Escorts background and what she feels was done okay. So yeah, the characters are annoying and the dialogue seems to be something written by an amateur. After the first 30 minutes, I was just anxious for this movie to end. Over being interested in where the two leads are going to go with the direction of this movie. The plot is pretty simple, it's about a sex-addicted journalist that is trying to look for a good story through high-class escorts when he starts following a Stanford-educated prostitute. The premise might have worked, but it just felt so drawn out and boring to sit through. When there is absolutely nothing to watch this one could be barely passable. But besides that it's better to pass on this one. Some parts seemed awkward and doesn't make much sense when it comes to the character's choices. Overall, this is a drawn out movie that is NOT a comedy and not really a good drama movie either. I could tell they had an idea, but unfortunately it just doesn't work as a whole.

3/10

Predictable but...

[roberttapia12793 · 7/10 · 9 April 2019]

From the start it was pretty woman with a modern twist, all she needed to say was "I say who, I say when, I say how much". Even though you can see where the story is going bat every step it is enjoyable and in a way relatable. It was Romantic Drama 101, finding love, losing love, getting love back.

Good, but not for obvious reasons

[TonyDood · 6/10 · 20 May 2017]

I chose this film while randomly perusing Amazon Prime's lists, a strange new occupation I find a lot of us pursuing of late. I was looking for something in the vein of a Sebastian Gutierrez indie flick. I chose the movie based entirely on the description and poster, something I never do any more as my time is too precious to gamble on a bad movie. I was rewarded with a pleasant, if unremarkable, film that I'd definitely recommend, but for reasons other than the obvious ones. It wasn't bad and had a decent story but that's not what prompted me to write a review about it.

In downtown LA a young woman is earning her keep as a high-priced sexual escort and a young aspiring writer has lost his job and is looking for a good story. He's also addicted to an "instant hookup" app and ends up meeting our lady of the night in a bar when he thinks she's his next match. They form a partnership where he gets his story (about her) in return for watching over her while she deals with unsavory men, and if you can't guess what happens next this is probably the first movie you've ever seen.

I found the first 20 minutes or so enticing; the cast was attractive, the dialog crisp, the acting sit-com level or higher and since it opened with a woman having "specialty" sex and the male lead tramping around, it seemed like a film that was going to have an edge to it. It doesn't, and in fact it ends up being lighter fare, topically, than anything you'd see on prime time TV, but it passed the time. I started checking my phone at the half-hour mark and never really engaged again after that but I didn't turn it off either.

What really sold me on this film, and has kept me thinking about it for days, was the soundtrack. Not since the 80s or 90s can I think of a movie where I was so intrigued by the music playing underneath scenes and transitions, and the way it flavored my experience of this film. I've spent a lot of time in downtown LA and thereabouts and with the great photography and soundtrack the filmmakers really got the "feel" of the area right. It's not as easy a thing to do as one might imagine; making a film that accurately portrays a location isn't as simple as just planting a camera there, you have to get the feel of it right.

I'm also intrigued by films that are focused on sex but don't actually include any sexual content. There are a couple of fully-clothed "humping" scenes in this movie but it's all fairly innocent and unobtrusive. It reminds you that a steamy sex scene with full nudity isn't always necessary to make a point. Films made before the ratings game came into play in the late 60s or so had to rely on technique rather than bared skin to convey sexual tension. Again...how it "feels" rather than simply how rutting looks when you focus a camera on it. It's not a common practice any more and I have no qualms about showing sexuality and nudity, it's just intriguing when it ISN'T shown, especially in a film that is ostensibly about a woman who sells her sexuality for a living.

Lastly, I found it interesting that the movie seems to take place in a world populated mostly by Caucasians. It's not something I really thought about until I saw this movie; the idea that these people dwell downtown but rarely encounter any racial (or gender, for that matter) diversity seems odd. Again, having spent a lot of time in these locations it's unlikely to say the least. It's not a judgment call, I'm wasn't offended, just intrigued...had the film been made 15-20 years ago it wouldn't have even crossed my mind.

Anyway, worth a look, which is actually quite an accomplishment.

A pleasant comedy

[zutterjp48 · 7/10 · 17 July 2019]

Desperate for a good story, a sex-addicted journalist decides to enter into the world of high-class escorts.The most interesting of this film is the chemistry between the main characters (mistrust,jokes, empathy,friendship and tenderness).Also interesting is the reasons why Natalie choose this way (bullying, publicactions on the net) and her decision to get out of this business one day. The performances of Lyndsy Fonseca,Micahel Doneger and Bruce Campbell are very good.

Fun Rom-Com

[shaffern-87205 · 6/10 · 31 July 2020]

The Escort is a fun movie to watch with friends, a partner, or even by yourself if you're just really bored and you want to watch a new movie. I recommend you to watch this movie not expecting high quality, but rather just to enjoy a silly love story between two people who'd normally be unlikely to associate with one another by choice. For what the movie has to offer and for not being high budget, it really worked out in my opinion and the two main characters are really cute together. Would recommend this movie to anyone who wishes to watch a movie they haven't seen before in the romantic comedy/drama genre.

Poorly Researched, Wastes Lyndsy Fonseca's Good Performance

[MrAwesome1022 · 2/10 · 31 December 2019]

The movie was problematic for several reasons. The writers and director did not research the full-service sex work (fssw) vertical, nor journalism before writing and directing this film.

*Misconceptions*

The concept of every escort refusing to pay taxes is incorrect. A journalist not researching before conducting in-field work is ridiculous. A journalist in 2016 with a degree in political science or journalism only looking for newspaper work is a larger High Fantasy myth than Lord of the Rings (I work in journalism), especially someone Mitch's age. The fact Natalie never brings up screening, and wasn't aware of face blurring technology is comical. Natalie falling for Mitch after blatantly disrespecting her multiple times is laughable. Portraying every fssw client as garbage feeds into the stereotype. Mitch and Natalie beginning to date only after she quits the industry pushes the trope of sex workers being undateable across all verticals in the industry.

The movie wasted a good performance from Lyndsy Fonseca with lazy writing and directing by those who decided to not research the two fields discussed in the film.

It would take very little effort to reach out to an escort and journalist to interview them about their work. At least they did enough research to have Natalie say, "Off the record."

True Score: 2.2

Promising

[mangospider · 6/10 · 20 November 2019]

I liked this movie better than I thought I would. The truth is, it's a lot more thoughtful than your average navel gazing indie. My major critique would be that the director/actor/writer should give up either acting or directing in his own films. His performance is disconnected and he's obviously talented so it feels as if he's maybe wearing one too many hats.

A sweet romantic comedy

[Gordon-11 · 25 August 2015]

This film tells the story of a man who has no job and no friends, and is addicted to sex. In order to write an article for a magazine, he shadows a female escort to get inducer information on the mysterious industry. They unexpectedly fall for each other along the way.

"The Escort" is actually a really sweet romantic comedy, despite it starting off looking like a drama. Mitch and Natalie both look very good, and they do match each other and are believable as a couple. There are plenty of jokes as well, such as Natalie shouting at a young girl. All the elements that make a romantic comedy entertaining and fun are in this film. I'm pleasantly surprised by the good production and the entertainment value of this film. I enjoyed watching it.

Your average odd couple who falls in love, story

[Eddie_weinbauer · 2/10 · 18 May 2016]

The only real difference from every other: We-annoy-each-other-so-much- we,-just-have-to-fall-in-love movie.Is that the female is an escort,and not a very good one.

There is absolutely no chemistry between the actors,they couldn't even pass for rivaling siblings.

The dialogue is forced and lifeless. The comedy none existent.And you really don't care about the characters.(the line about the drink and the blowjob, is the best and only funny part about the entire movie)

I always thought he point of becoming an escort, was to get well payed and don't have to work streets and bars like a common hooker. Turns out I was wrong,they do work bars.

The female lead is mildly attractive but very average looking, certainly not stunning.She look like a girl you could meet at a party, as someone's friend.(Not sure if that was what they were going for) The male lead is a pudgy,not very attractive sex-addict.Who through and app gets laid all the time, with stunning women's no less.

Sadly this just help sink the movie. The dude is 4 maybe a 5 at he best, from a woman's perspective ..Yet women who are a 9-10+ Are willing to meet up with him for unconditional FREE sex. If that was realistic every nerd would get laid 5 times a day. Yet he has no real trait,in how to relate or interact with others. Get the impression,he mostly think of them as annoying inconvenience in his sex life. Even more stupid is when the escort stalks him, through a deserted streets at night,wearing bright red dress,and high heals.To find out where he is going ***********warning spoiler**************warning spoiler*************** Seriously who ever written this script, need to get out more. High heels are quite noisy,you don't really stalk someone wearing those.

You know from the get go, how this will go down. They fall in love,than he suddenly gonna have a problem with people pawing all over his property, for money.He gonna do something stupid and interfere with her and a client,they gonna break up or start argue.They'll break up,than at the end they will get back together again and so on.

This movie is just as bad as Sasha Grey's The Girlfriend Experience ,and just as boring. The acting is sub par,the chemistry none existent.And the actors look like they hate what they signed up for,and are not really trying to hide it

Enjoyed a lot

[ckunal-41577 · 9/10 · 31 December 2020]

What a great movie. Looking at the title I watched it with no expectations, but was immediately hooked onto it. More realistic version on pretty women for sure.

Comedy/Drama

[greenheart · 7/10 · 3 January 2022]

I'm not a big fan of comedy drama, the humour dilutes the drama and equally, the drama is never edgy enough.

This is a likeable movie with two ridiculously good-looking leads. I never bought Lyndsy Fonseca as an escort girl, she just seemed too nice. Michael Doneger I believed more as the sex addict, I bet there are thousands of men trying to seek out the app he was using.

This would logically sit as a TV movie but there is way too much swearing and I'm not entirely sure where this movie will find its home.

The movie is so easy on the eye, it's hard to criticise and I did thoroughly enjoy it, I just wish it had fully pursued the drama route.

doesn't really get there

[SnoopyStyle · 4/10 · 28 July 2017]

Mitch Cooper (Michael Doneger) chases anonymous sex online in L.A. He's at a hotel bar waiting for another date when Natalie (Lyndsy Fonseca) shows up. She's actually a high price escort working the bar. The mix up does not go well. Mitch gets fired as a reporter. He struggles to find another job and decides to write about the escort world. He goes back to the bar to find Natalie as his subject.

This is a lower budget indie. The guy is lackluster. Fonseca is really the only reason that I started watching this. This tries to be a little humorous with limited success. She has a bit of sass. There are references to Pretty Woman but this is not even in the ballpark. The couple has no chemistry. It's not particularly sexy or fun or dark or poignant or anything. Fonseca gets it part of the way but it doesn't really get there.

Fun, flirty, raunchy, romantic

[heartcore9 · 7/10 · 26 February 2021]

The poster on Hulu of a woman unzipping the back of her dress made me think that this was an edgy, possibly dark movie about an escort. It's not really. It's actually quite funny. It has that indie film feel, two likeable leads, and it definitely leans into the quirkiness of being an escort more than the darkness or edginess of it. I enjoyed it, and the romance was good too (but if you're uptight and close-minded and judgmental, you should probably choose a different romance, because you'll probably find this one to be offensive, lol).