A new documentary explores the phenomenon of men who pay women to pose as their romantic partners, focusing on a 27-year-old British man who has spent £50,000 on such services over eight years. Director Ben Zand describes the subject, known only as T, as 'incredibly transparent' about his desire for a subservient partner he can control.
T, who wears a mask and uses a disguised voice in the film, admits to feeling confused and stressed by the ambiguity of rented relationships. 'You never know whether they’re acting or they really mean it,' he says. He estimates 80% of his interactions have been online, with 20% in person, and has even tried an AI girlfriend.
Zand notes that the film, initially expected to focus on sex, revealed a darker reality of loneliness and control. T describes wanting a girlfriend who 'always says yes' and never disagrees, likening the experience to 'being on vacation' where the partner is perpetually happy. When confronted by real women, he clarified that he expects immediate replies, barring basic needs like using the toilet.
The documentary highlights the commodification of companionship, with T ranking real partners as 'top tier,' sex workers at the bottom, and rented girlfriends in a confusing middle ground. He has engaged sex workers but finds the girlfriend experience more emotionally ambiguous.
