A Compelling Portrait of a Porn Icon
*Queen of Manhattan* is a biopic/drama film written and directed by Thomas Mignone. The movie tells the story of adult film star Vanessa Del Rio, who is known for her career in more than 200 films and her advocacy for sex workers’ rights. The character is played by Vivian Lamolli, who delivers an amazing and memorable performance.
Standout Performances and a Powerful Dynamic
Taryn Manning is also enchanting in the role of Vanessa’s friend, Sandy. Both women work together at an erotic dance club, and a pivotal scene involves Sandy being assaulted by a client. Personally, I felt that Vanessa and Sandy represent two sides of the same coin. Vanessa is stubborn and full of confidence, showing no tolerance for bad behavior from men. She has risen above her traumatic past, even if she occasionally distracts herself from the pain she endured. Sandy, on the contrary, is vulnerable and sensitive, tolerating assault from clients. Vanessa is self-sufficient without clinging to men, while Sandy is burdened by her own insecurities and feelings of loneliness. This dynamic powerfully alludes to the complex thoughts and experiences of sex workers, many of whom may appear confident and strong on the outside like Vanessa, while internally struggling like Sandy.
Esai Morales and Elizabeth Rodriguez deliver great performances as Vanessa’s father and mother, respectively. It is genuinely interesting to explore the protagonist’s dynamics with each of her parents through the film’s use of flashbacks.
A Glimpse into the 70s and 80s Underworld
Many side characters play their parts in the erotic dance club, the adult film industry, or in law enforcement combating the adult industry, as the film takes place during the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately, we do not learn enough about them, and in my opinion, they felt a bit redundant. I particularly wish we had discovered more about Carley’s mysterious character and his history with the person he takes care of.
Confronting Harsh and Prevalent Truths
The topics of physical and sexual abuse are prevalent throughout the film. We see these types of violence in both sex work and personal life settings. Some female characters experienced it at a young age, others in past romantic relationships, and others are experiencing it in the present. It feels like a cycle repeating itself constantly, and the writer certainly does not turn a blind eye to this harsh and ugly truth.
Striking Visual Storytelling and Direction
I found the way Vanessa’s character narrates her point of view particularly interesting. She tells her story through a peep window, and her various outfits catch the viewer’s attention. There is a compelling contrast between the warm interior cinematography and the cold tones on the outside, indicating Vanessa’s personal struggles. Cinematographer Egor Povolotskiy did an excellent job incorporating elements of voyeurism and surrealism.
The direction by Thomas Mignone is also worth mentioning. Without a doubt, the film contains very important scenes. Some unfold directly in front of us, like Vanessa confronting her father, while others are only mentioned or implied. In both cases, these moments are directed in a way that impacts the viewer significantly.
A Slightly Abrupt but Thematically Sound Conclusion
To be honest, I wanted a few more scenes before the end, as it felt a bit abrupt. If we dive into Vanessa’s past, we see that she idealized her father, who supposedly would never let anyone hurt her. Nevertheless, he was a horrible husband and hurt Vanessa by repeatedly breaking his promise. Towards the end, it becomes obvious that everything Vanessa accomplished in her career, together with her advocacy for sex workers’ rights, was her response to the pain she experienced from her father.
Details
- Rating Certificate: NR/TV-14
- Studios & Distributors: Doom Incorporated | Level 33 Entertainment
- Director: Thomas Mignone
- Written By: Thomas Mignone
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Run Time: 102 Mins.
- Release Date: June 2022 (Dances with Films) | 19 September 2025 (Select Theaters) | 14 October 2025 (On Demand)