Anora (2024)

Two young people, a couple dressed in formal yet playful attire, smiling joyfully as they walk under bright city lights and fireworks, capturing a celebratory and romantic moment.

Sean Baker’s latest film, Anora, takes you on an emotional journey that will leave you exhausted—but in a positive way. This is not your conventional Cinderella tale. Anora, a young sex worker from Brooklyn, impulsively marries the son of a Russian billionaire. But here’s the twist—this isn’t a happily-ever-after kind of deal. As word spreads back to Russia, the groom’s parents rush to New York, determined to annul the marriage.

Baker masterfully captures the raw, gritty reality of Brooklyn’s strip club scene from the very beginning. The visuals are stunning, giving the city’s underbelly an unfiltered, documentary-style vibe. You can almost feel the sticky floors, smell the lingering cigarette smoke, and hear the faint buzz of neon lights. Baker clearly put in the work to make this world feel authentic and alive.

Mikey Madison completely shines as Anora. She possesses a unique blend of street smarts and emotional vulnerability, making her a compelling character to cheer for. Meanwhile, Mark Eidelstein, as the spoiled rich boy Vanya, is the perfect chaotic counterpart. Their on-screen connection is magnetic, and their whirlwind relationship will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe shake your head in disbelief.

And let’s not forget the humour. Anora is packed with dark, biting comedy. One moment, you’re laughing at Vanya’s drunken foolishness; the next, you’re hit with the harshness of Anora’s life. Baker masterfully balances these tonal shifts, creating a film that’s as hilarious as it is heartbreaking.

The supporting cast is just as memorable. Vanya’s parents embody every cliché of absurdly wealthy Russians, making them caricatures. Then there’s Toros, the family’s bumbling fixer, who feels like a knockoff Tony Soprano—awkwardly stumbling around Brooklyn in search of Vanya. He’s ridiculous in the best way.

And that red scarf? You’ll see it everywhere, and it’s no coincidence. Baker uses red as a visual symbol throughout the film—representing everything from danger to desire. It’s a small but effective touch that adds deeper meaning to every scene.

That said, the movie isn’t without its hiccups. The movie slows down a bit in the middle, and a few plot twists feel a bit out of place. You might catch yourself thinking, “Would someone really do that?” But people do wild things when they’re desperate—or in love, don’t they?

One of the film’s standout strengths is how it explores cultural identity and the immigrant experience. Anora’s internal struggle to balance her Uzbek-American heritage with her dreams of escaping poverty is deeply moving. It’s a poignant reminder that the so-called American Dream doesn’t always live up to the hype.

The soundtrack deserves a moment of recognition too. It’s a brilliant blend of pulsing nightclub beats and soul-stirring Russian ballads, perfectly capturing the tension and cultural collision at the heart of the film.

Overall, Anora is another strong addition to Sean Baker’s portfolio. It’s chaotic, funny, and heartbreakingly real—kind of like life itself. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of The Florida Project, it’s still an unforgettable film that lingers with you long after the credits roll.

So, should you check it out? Absolutely. Just don’t expect a bubbly, feel-good rom-com. This is a gritty, unvarnished look at love, ambition, and chasing dreams. It’ll make you laugh, flinch, and maybe even tear up. It’s imperfect, but that’s what makes it feel so honest—and so worth watching.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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