Film Review – Modern Whore (2025)

      **Modern Whore, 2025**

      Directed by Nicole Bazuin

      Starring Andrea Werhun

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      Modern Whore features Andrea Werhun as she reflects on her past as escort Mary Ann, stripper Sophia, and her presence on OnlyFans—each aspect being part of her journey through sex work in Toronto. Writer/director Nicole Bazuin makes her feature film debut with Modern Whore, a hybrid documentary that explores Werhun’s experiences drawn from her memoir of the same title. Bazuin and Werhun deliver a humorous and insightful adaptation of Werhun’s life as a former sex worker in Toronto, probing into the reasons and methods behind the industry and her involvement in it.

      The film adopts an intriguing narrative style, blending documentary footage of Werhun sharing her experiences and conversing with family, friends, and colleagues, alongside scripted segments where she and others act out her stories. This unconventional approach contributes to an entertaining retelling of Werhun’s life, enhanced by a sharp and witty script by her and Bazuin.

      The scripted segments highlight Werhun's lively personality and the chemistry with her cast and material—telling and portraying her own narrative allows her to deliver a compelling performance, revealing her most vulnerable moments while being aware of the stigma surrounding sex workers, whether they are escorts or OnlyFans creators. The film includes a good dose of self-awareness and quirky humor that breaks the fourth wall, as she shares anecdotes and her clients’ often skewed views of their engagements. It also bravely addresses the tougher realities of being a sex worker, such as encounters with unsavory clients and the broader implications of those interactions, considering the limited support available.

      The transitions between scripted scenes and interviews are well-paced, with both formats complementing one another. The interviews provide engaging and insightful reflections on why individuals choose to enter sex work and the stigma they encounter from family and friends. Werhun examines her various personas, discussing which ones resonated more closely with her true self and the necessity of these identities in her work. A significant part of the discourse hinges on the taboo surrounding sex work and the shifting conversations aimed at diminishing stigma, although much progress remains necessary.

      Modern Whore is marked by exceptional writing from Werhun and Bazuin, featuring numerous entertaining moments, along with Werhun's standout performance. The film is witty, insightful, and creatively presented in its hybrid format, leaving a lasting impression in multiple ways.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★**

      Ricky Church – Follow me on Bluesky for more movie news and nerd talk.

      Originally published April 4, 2026. Updated April 5, 2026.