This dark brooding docu-drama easily equates to the best work, of the understated director Lukas Moodysson. Soviet bloc russia, in all its post- apocalyptic horror, homes a land bereft of hope, opportunity and overall love. Encased in this is the lead character of Lilya. A child born of a prostitute, her beginning is bleak, with her mother abandoning her for America, leaving her alone and destitute. In comes her saviour 11 year old Volodya, a rejected child who acts a shining light in this, soviet hell hole.
There is no remitting from the bleak world view, as Lilya who is 16 turns to prostitution to keep her and Volodya alive, only as we are lead to watch her slowly be drawn into sex trafficking, and when it didn't seem possible, she falls further down the slipperly slope, and slides into despair.
There is no redemption, which is a shockingly accurate, yet understated crtique on the East European sex trade.
