Claire Dolan 2000

Claire Dolan, an Irish immigrant working as a sex worker in America, finds herself trapped in a life she utterly despises. Owing substantial money to her pimp, she is forced to continue in this dangerous profession. Seeking a change, she relocates to Newark, New Jersey, where she stays with her cousin while taking a job at a local salon. As she tries to navigate her new life, she builds a connection with her cousin and another woman named Siobhan.

However, Claire soon begins to receive mysterious phone calls that leave her feeling uneasy. Initially, at work, there’s a series of calls where no one responds on the other end. Then, one harrowing night at home, her phone rings again; after she hangs up, it rings once more. This growing sense of paranoia leads her to believe that her former pimp, Roland, may have tracked her down. In a bid to seek solace and safety, she heads out to a nearby bar. There, she meets a man named Elton and, after striking up a conversation, they share a dance that culminates in Claire waking up in his bed the next day. It’s evident that in her quest for security, she has sought out companionship.

As she returns to her apartment, Claire senses that something is amiss. Caught in her feelings, she has a moment of panic when she spots someone who looks like Roland observing her interactions. Subsequently, Elton pays her a visit, confronting her with questions about her past, her living situation, and whether she has a pimp from whom she may still be indebted. As days turn to weeks, a romance blossoms between Claire and Elton, leading to a powerful exchange of love.

Despite the tenderness of their relationship, Elton’s unexpected encounter with Roland reveals a darker truth. In a volatile confrontation, Roland accuses him of being involved with someone who will always remain a sex worker, cryptically hinting that Claire might even be his daughter. Meanwhile, Claire’s life remains hectic; after a doctor’s appointment assures her health, she continues entertaining some clients. Yet, in a moment of distress, she catches a glimpse of Elton outside during a client’s visit, which intensifies her internal conflict.

With her newfound independence and some savings in hand, Claire finally decides to pay off her debt to Roland. During the meeting, he raises the topic of her pregnancy, offering her money “for the baby,” an attempt to exert control over her once more. However, Claire resolutely refuses, determined to break free of his grasp. She returns to her apartment, packed with a sense of purpose and finality, and makes her way to the airport.

In a twist of fate, shortly afterward, Elton is seen walking with a blonde woman, whom he introduces as his wife to Roland, revealing that she is pregnant with a girl. This new revelation adds another layer of complexity to Claire’s struggle, as she must confront the obstacles standing between her and her desired freedom.