(Steven Soderbergh, US 2009, 77 min.)

In the days leading up to the 2008 stock market crash and presidential election, a not-inexpensive Manhattan prostitute (played by adult film star Sasha Grey) offers her clients companionship and conversation—a “girlfriend experience”—as well as sex. The latest feature from one of America’s most acclaimed and prolific filmmakers was co-written by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, who also authored the screenplay for Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Thirteen. “**** (four stars) This film is true about human nature. It clearly sees needs and desires. It is not universal, but within its particular focus, it is unrelenting”—Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times.