Angel payed by Abigail Cowen absorbs more tragedy and pain by the time she is eight years old to destroy any life. Her father rejects her, her mother is killed (in front of her) and she is sent to a house of prostitution to learn the trade.
The display of her emotional and physical pain serves as the tapestry for her on and off affection with Michael (Tom Lewis) a farmer who falls for her. Her existence as one who pleases many men may not be an acceptable role in life but it maters not to him even as he prays in a small wooden chapel.
The body of the film is filled with her escape and return to the red light job description. We are exposed to the violence, degradation and even forced abortion she faces as the captive ‘Angel’ the most popular woman at the house.
Presented more like a soap opera by director D. J. Caruso cheats in every way, rather than telling the story of redemption of a lost soul the director dwells on the dark negative aspects of her life. Caruso also strains the theme of pure love by placing Cowen in a number of scenes which are clearly designed to touch the edges of soft porn as scenes around Cowen’s unclad body are shown from different directions.
The other side of the story played by Tom Lewis is so squeaky clean an innocent it begins to make the script look ridiculous. He is perfect, hard working and purely in love with her to the extent that he gets to know her by paying the usual fee but just talking with her. Nothing she does limits his devotion.
Cowen and Lewis are attractive performers and may have a bright future on the screen, but this film which may get them notice will be one they will probably want to forget over time.