Market Value is a 2017 drama film that tells the story of a young woman named Leila played by Jules Bruff, who is struggling to make ends meet in Los Angeles. Leila is a talented photographer, but despite her skills, she is unable to secure stable employment that pays enough to cover her basic needs. Desperate for money, Leila takes up a job as a stripper under the stage name Ariana. While working at the club, she meets a wealthy young man named Derek played by Noah McCarty-Slaughter. Derek is drawn to Leila's beauty and intellect and offers her a job as his personal photographer.
Leila sees this as an opportunity to earn decent money and jumpstart her career in photography. She accepts Derek's offer and begins working for him. However, as time goes on, she realizes that her work involves taking erotic and pornographic pictures of Derek and his wealthy friends.
Leila is deeply conflicted as she tries to figure out how to get out of the situation she has found herself in. She is aware that Derek's lifestyle and preferences are morally questionable, but she cannot deny the financial stability that the job provides her.
As she gets deeper into Derek's world, Leila also meets fellow stripper and single mother Tina, played by Chandra Michaels. Tina becomes her confidante and helps her navigate the moral complexities of her situation.
Leila's journey exposes the darker side of LA's elite and how people can transform when they are trapped in seemingly inescapable situations. The movie is a commentary on power dynamics, how they shape people's lives, and how individuals try to take control of their destinies. The film also explores the relativity of morality in the face of financial insecurity and societal pressure.
Market Value's visual imagery and stunning cinematography perfectly captures the glamour and the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. The film's sound and score are also remarkable, immersing the audience in the ambiance and mood of the scenes.
The actors in Market Value did an excellent job bringing each of their characters to life. Jules Bruff's performance as Leila was captivating and nuanced. She expertly conveyed the character's internal conflicts, fears and desperation, bringing out the audience's empathy for her. Similarly, Michaels' performance as Tina was impeccable, deftly balancing the character's vulnerability, humor and strength.
Noah McCarty-Slaughter played the role of Derek with the necessary charisma and menace. Throughout the film, he embodied the character's alter ego, perfectly oscillating between his charming public persona and his seedy private life.
Market Value is not just a commentary on LA's elite and power dynamics, it is also a reflection on how people pursue their passions and try to find their place in society. The movie encourages viewers to explore their own beliefs and principles surrounding socioeconomic issues and to reflect on the lengths they would go to survive in a city as expensive and competitive as LA.
Overall, Market Value is a riveting drama that manages to capture the complexities and contradictions of modern-day LA through the lens of one woman's struggle. It is a must-watch for anyone who's interested in movies that tackle societal issues, personal growth and morality. Watch it now to be a part of Leila's journey and her struggle to find her footing in a city fuelled by greed and power.
Market Value is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.