Review by: Laura Robinson

The short
Steeped in controversy, Much Loved is an unfiltered movie delving into the work, lives and tribulations of Marrakech sex-workers.

The long
As one of the first films to address sex-work in Morocco, this drama comes with a hefty handful of controversy. While it’s readily available to be queued up on U.S. Netflix, it has been banned in Morocco following it’s 2015 debut at the Cannes Film Festival. The story follows the lives of four women as they make their living as sex-workers in the nightlife-hub of Marrakech. The film does not shy away from the raw realities of these protagonists as they face exploitation, prejudice, and violence at the hands of wealthy international clients; as well as forge communities and a support system within one another. Despite the film not being released in Morocco, it has continued to spark further controversy for the actors and their lives in Morocco, as it has continued to bring increased visibility to the sex-work industry both in Morocco and on a global scale.

To watch or not to watch?
While this film does feature crude scenes and language, it tackles topics typically unaddressed by MENA films and media. Much Loved is one of the few films shedding an unfiltered light on the experiences and lives of those in the sex-work industry.