Paying For It | TIFF 2024 | Review by: Stefano Bove

When the graphic-novel was released in 2011, it was controversial for the medium it was released on. The memoir version of being a John and paying for sex-workers was not typically presented in this form of media but now a live-action film, it should not be presented as that controversial. Set in Toronto, many iconic Toronto locations are present in the film as it was filmed all across the city. I truly enjoy films that are not afraid to showcase the city and all of its interesting features.

Sonny and Chester are in a relationship and live together when Sonny decides she wants to start seeing other people. Chester, caught off guard and unaware how to deal with the situation, decides he doesn't want a new relationship and would rather just pay women to sleep with him and not have to deal with the emotional trauma of another relationship.

Dan Beirne plays Chester, an awkwardly introverted cartoonist. Dan does a great job with the role and most of the funny bits come from his extreme awkwardness and eagerness to pay for sex. The contrast in the film is with co-star Emily Le who plays Sonny. She is eager to make any relationship work after being the one to end it with Chester only to be consistently heartbroken, time and time again. 

I was honestly not expecting the film to be as raunchy as it was so the film was not afraid to push boundaries and show nudity but I guess I should have expected it considering the film is about sex. 

Paying for it is a look into a relationship that is typically not displayed in film. Sonny and Chester are not your typical couple and that makes them interesting and unique. They do not fit your normal depiction of a couple and do not conform to society's standards for a couple. 

Paying for it premiered at Toronto International Film Festival 

2.5/5

Review by: Stefano Bove