Help Wanted Female

About This Movie

Help Wanted Female, directed by John Hayes, is a gritty slice of late '60s exploitation cinema. It dives into the twisted lives of two female roommates, one a street-smart hooker and the other an exotic dancer, living in a world of vice and depravity. The pacing is meandering at times, but that contributes to the unsettling atmosphere. The use of practical effects, especially during the more violent moments, gives it a raw edge. The psychological element is accentuated when the dancer and her customer drop LSD, leading to some surreal storytelling. Performances are unpolished but feel genuine, capturing a certain authenticity of that era. It’s this strange combination of drama and horror that makes it stand out in the genre.

Exploration of female empowerment and exploitation · Surreal LSD trip scene adds a unique twist · Strong representation of late '60s counterculture