Set in Brooklyn, the story follows a young woman named Ani, also known as Anora, played by Mikey Madison. Anora works at a club dancing and stripping for money, along with being a sex worker on the side. One evening at the club, a customer is looking for someone who speaks Russian. The only dancer who knows the language is Anora. As requested, Anora joins the young man named Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn) for a conversation and dance. Ivan is captivated by her company, leading him to reach out to her in hopes of meeting again. Given Anora’s financial situation and the fact that Ivan is wealthy, this also presents a fun opportunity for her.
As Ivan and Anora continue their relationship, Ivan becomes increasingly infatuated with her. He offers to pay Anora a large sum to pretend to be his girlfriend for a week and travel to Las Vegas with him, and she agrees. While in Vegas, they decide to get married. For the first time, Anora is living out her favourite fairy tale—Cinderella. However, when word of their marriage reaches Russia, Ivan’s parents are displeased, viewing the union as an insult since Ivan is the son of an oligarch. Now, Ivan’s parents are determined to do everything possible to ensure the marriage is annulled.
Anora blends romantic comedy with a strong dose of drama. While it starts with a familiar concept—leading viewers to think it’s just another modern twist on the “pretty woman” or “Cinderella” story—it’s much more than that. The film features many surprises, unexpected twists, and impactful moments thanks to writer and director Sean Baker. For those unfamiliar, Sean Baker has also directed notable films such as Red Rocket (2021), Tangerine (2015), and The Florida Project (2017). While he has built an impressive career, Anora is now officially my favourite film by this director.
The film delivers strong performances, particularly from the lead, Mikey Madison. Her portrayal of Anora is a standout highlight, showcasing her dramatic and comedic talents. Anora is endearing, displaying determination and strength in her struggles and a readiness to stand up for herself. Mark Eydelshteyn also shines as Ivan, bringing impressive energy to his role. The soundtrack rocks right from the opening credits, setting an engaging tone. Writer and director Sean Baker has crafted a visually captivating film with constant action on-screen. The story kept my interest, and many scenes were filled with unpredictable twists and surprises at every turn.
Despite the widespread acclaim for Anora, I have a few minor criticisms based on personal reasons. Without giving away any spoilers, I can say that while I was fully engaged with the story and its progression, some moments felt repetitive and caused a slight drag in pace. Additionally, the film’s final moments may lead to varying interpretations among viewers, which could be divisive for some film enthusiasts.
Overall, Anora is a powerful blend of joy, laughter, chaos, and drama, with plenty of heartbreaking and tense moments. While the pacing felt somewhat repetitive at times, it easily remains Sean Baker’s best film to date. The film leaves viewers with a profound sense of impact and heaviness as the conclusions unfold. I was truly impressed by Mikey Madison’s leading performance, and I’m confident she has a brilliant career ahead in the film industry.
Arnora (2024) will be screening at BIFF2024! For session times and more information, please check out the link here: https://biff.com.au/
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
30th October 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
THANK YOU FOR VISITING!
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