The film stars Theresa Russell as Liz, a streetwise prostitute in Los Angeles, who narrates her life story directly to the audience. Over the course of one night, she recounts her abusive past, failed relationships, and dangerous encounters with clients and her violent pimp (played by Benjamin Mouton).

Unlike many films about sex work at the time, Whore takes a raw, documentary-style approach — with Liz breaking the fourth wall to speak frankly about survival, exploitation, and the economics of prostitution. The tone is gritty, unapologetic, and often darkly humorous, while exposing the vulnerability beneath her tough exterior.