The 2024 film Anora, directed by Sean Baker, is a cinematic rollercoaster blending raw realism, dark comedy, and an unconventional love story that keeps you on your toes. Whether you see it coming or not, the emotional whirlwind will leave you dizzy. The film follows Ani, a Brooklyn-based exotic dancer and sex worker—two professions that aren’t necessarily synonymous, yet she embodies both. Her impulsive marriage to Vanya, a carefree heir to a Russian oligarch’s empire, thrusts her into a chaotic world of wealth, power struggles, and self-discovery.
At its core, Anora isn’t a traditional love story. Instead, it’s a complex dance of independence, survival, and shifting power dynamics. Ani’s life in Brooklyn is grounded in a harsh reality she has learned to navigate on her own terms. Enter Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the embodiment of privilege and recklessness. Their whirlwind romance leads to a hasty Las Vegas wedding—what starts as thrilling spontaneity quickly morphs into a high-stakes battle of autonomy versus control. Vanya’s powerful family soon steps in, determined to reshape Ani into a version they find acceptable. But Ani won’t surrender easily.
The film’s opening scene sets the tone brilliantly with a song choice that feels both playful and foreboding. It’s a tell-tale sign of what’s to come—one that fits the film’s first half like a glove. As the narrative unfolds, Baker masterfully balances humor and tension, creating a world where every moment feels immediate and unpredictable.
Mikey Madison, who many vaguely remember from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, delivers a career-defining performance as Ani. She radiates raw intensity, making her character feel both unbreakable and fragile at the same time. At first, I feared her talent might overshadow her co-stars, but the casting choices are so impeccable that every actor shines in their own right. Mark Eydelshteyn is compelling as the naive yet entitled Vanya, while Yura Borisov as Igor delivers an astounding performance, particularly through his expressive eyes and body language.
Yet, for me, the standout performance comes from Karren Karagulian as Toros, a rich and understated character brimming with contradictions. His presence keeps you on edge—you’re constantly wondering when he will explode. Vache Tovmasyan as Garnick also provides subtle, smooth, and brilliantly timed comedic relief. All actors were brilliant, making the world feel rich and believable.
Sean Baker’s signature style—unfiltered, immersive storytelling—shines here. His ability to spotlight every character at just the right moment without diminishing others is a testament to his directorial prowess. His decision to edit the film himself further intensifies its pace, blending moments of intensity with unexpected subtlety. The editing complements the story seamlessly, contributing directly and heavily to the film’s fast-paced, high-energy feel. The jumps between scenes can be exhausting, but when you realize Baker himself handled the editing, the mix of intensity and subtlety makes perfect sense.
Baker’s visual storytelling draws a stark contrast between Ani’s gritty Brooklyn life and Vanya’s suffocatingly lavish world. The sharp divide between raw survival and unbearable privilege heightens Ani’s internal struggle. The unpredictability keeps you on edge, defying conventional storytelling. The film cleverly plants seeds of both possibilities, never offering a definitive answer. It challenges audiences to reconsider love, survival, and the blurred lines between the two.
However, not everything lands perfectly. Vanya’s character, while well-portrayed, lacks the depth that Ani’s transformation achieves. The film’s transition from carefree romance to intense family drama is slightly jarring, making some tonal shifts feel abrupt. Additionally, the ending—while thought-provoking—leaves more questions than answers, which may not satisfy all viewers.
Anora is a gripping, unpredictable story of love, power, and survival. It challenges traditional romance tropes, offering a thought-provoking take on autonomy and self-worth. It’s not a film you watch for comfort—it’s a raw, exhilarating ride that demands your attention.
Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)