Irina Palm 2008

Maggie, portrayed by Marianne Faithfull, is a timid elderly widow facing a heartbreaking dilemma. Her ill grandson, Ollie, played by Corey Burke, is deteriorating in the hospital, and the only hope for his recovery lies in a cutting-edge treatment in Sydney, Australia. While the procedure itself is covered, the family must come up with a hefty sum for travel and accommodation, a daunting task given that Ollie has just six weeks to make it before he becomes too weak to endure the journey.

With her home already sold to cover expenses, Maggie’s son Tom, depicted by Kevin Bishop, and her daughter-in-law Sarah, played by Siobhan Hewlett, are in a state of despair, realizing they cannot raise the money quickly enough. After a failed attempt to secure a bank loan due to her lack of a job or collateral, Maggie becomes desperate for a solution.

In her search for work, Maggie stumbles upon an ad in the window of a Soho pub named Sexy World. Upon inquiring about the “hostess” position, she learns from the owner, Miki, played by Miki Manojlovic, that the role involves providing hand-jobs—a revelation that leaves her initially horrified. However, as time is of the essence for Ollie, Maggie’s instincts for survival kick in.

Luisa, portrayed by Dorka Gryllus, a seasoned worker at the pub, takes it upon herself to mentor Maggie in the ways of her new job. At first repulsed, Maggie gradually adjusts to this new reality. Behind a wall known as a glory hole, she begins giving hand-jobs to anonymous men, ensuring that they cannot touch her nor can she see them. Despite her apprehensions, she starts earning money, with her earnings climbing from £200 in her first week to £600 the next, as Miki renames her “Irina Palm” to market her services better.

As pressure mounts, Maggie asks for a £6,000 advance from Miki, agreeing to pay him back within eight weeks while under his threatening influence. The longer she works, the more isolated she becomes from her family and friends, who start to worry about her sudden financial windfall. With an ever-growing queue for her services, Maggie keeps her job a secret, even assuring Ollie that it’s something special between them.

Her hands begin to suffer under the strain of her work, leading to an injury that she continues to conceal from Tom, who grows increasingly concerned about her wellbeing and the mysterious job. Meanwhile, Maggie’s personal life starts to unravel as Tom and Sarah face their own marriage troubles, with Tom ultimately moving back in with Maggie.

When Luisa is let go due to dwindling business, the guilt weighs heavily on Maggie, who finds solace in her budding friendship with Miki, as they share their dreams of wealth and a good life. However, her internal conflict grows as a rival pub owner offers her a better deal, shining a light on Miki’s self-serving nature.

Eventually, Tom discovers Maggie’s secret after following her to Sexy World. The confrontation that follows is fiery and intense, pushing Maggie to open up about her actions and motivations. The couple navigates a turbulent emotional landscape, where Sarah unexpectedly sides with Maggie, fostering a newfound understanding among them.

As the time for Ollie’s treatment approaches, Maggie ultimately decides to refrain from going to Australia, believing that the journey should be a familial experience, leaving her to embrace her fate at home. In a poignant climax, Maggie returns to the pub, embracing Miki, and reaffirming her resolve to face whatever comes next for her and her family.