Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Film 'Paying for It' Explores Polyamory and Emotional Turmoil

1/29/2026

30 6

Summary

Story summary

Paying for It, directed by Sook-Yin Lee, follows Sonny (Emily Lê) and Chester (Dan Beirne) as Sonny admits she is falling for someone else.
Their bond remains affectionate yet sexless, so Chester hires prostitutes.
Lee contrasts Chester's gentle masculinity with Sonny's jealousy and emotional imbalances.
The film, drawing on Chester Brown's graphic novel, portrays polyamory without glamorization and runs 1 hour 25 minutes, currently in theaters.

1 of 1

Story summary

Paying for It, directed by Sook-Yin Lee, follows Sonny (Emily Lê) and Chester (Dan Beirne) as Sonny admits she is falling for someone else.
Their bond remains affectionate yet sexless, so Chester hires prostitutes.
Lee contrasts Chester's gentle masculinity with Sonny's jealousy and emotional imbalances.
The film, drawing on Chester Brown's graphic novel, portrays polyamory without glamorization and runs 1 hour 25 minutes, currently in theaters.