Anora Review | Sean Baker’s Latest Is an Instant Classic

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As a film enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that “Anora” is a refreshing and powerful addition to the cinematic landscape. Pamela Adlon’s performance as Ani is nothing short of extraordinary, reminding me of Marisa Tomei’s unforgettable portrayal in “My Cousin Vinny.

In the hands of Sean Baker, the film titled “Anora” offers a thrilling, contemporary take on the screwball comedy genre. The lead character, brilliantly portrayed by Mikey Madison, is Anora, a stripper who finds herself smitten beyond measure with the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. This year’s Palme d’Or winner at Cannes and arguably Baker’s most engaging film so far, “Anora” is a captivating exploration of character, a type of absorbing study of life on society’s fringes that carries the genetic imprint of John Cassavetes.

The Contemporary Answer to Pretty Woman

Towards the end of the 1990s, in the movie “Pretty Woman”, the well-off businessman Edward (played by Richard Gere) arrives at Vivian’s (Julia Roberts) modest apartment, which she shares with a friend and fellow sex worker. The emotional synthesizer strains of Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” fill the air as Richard takes Vivian on a date, likely leading her to a life no longer burdened by concerns about how many clients she needs to meet in order to pay next month’s rent. People with such wealth typically don’t have to concern themselves with those matters, and they often undervalue them.

Ani (Madison) views herself as being worth the money men pay for lap dances or private encounters in a strip club. She spends her days gathering cash from willing customers and pleasing them effortlessly before returning to the shared Brooklyn apartment with her sister. Each day is much like the last, until Ani meets Ivan (Mark Eidelstein), a rich young man looking for a Russian-speaking dancer. Ani and Ivan share an instant connection, but it’s not unusual for Ani to click with anyone.

A Marriage of Mutually Assured Desires

Despite some unusual behavior, Ivan stands out, prompting Ani to perform a personal, clothing-free dance for him in seclusion. “This is inappropriate,” she clarifies as Ivan restrains himself, “but I have feelings for you.” And so the adventure begins. It doesn’t take long before Ivan requests that Ani be his exclusive ‘amorous companion’ for a week, presumably his last in the U.S. prior to joining his father’s business in Russia. The ensuing events are a whirlwind of sleepless nights filled with champagne and traces of cocaine, as well as an unexpected journey to Las Vegas on a private jet. When Ivan proposes to Ani following another night of revelry and intimacy, it seems natural for her to accept.

In a contrasting set of motives, Ivan intends to marry Ani as a rebellion against his affluent, absentee parents, hoping to gain U.S. citizenship and avoid returning to Russia. Conversely, Ani sees marriage with Ivan as an escape from her monotonous working-class life, constantly struggling for the next paycheck. Their sudden wedding sets off a humorous yet ominous chain of events, as Ivan’s parents hire a local enforcer to annul their union – leading to a relentless, darkly comical chase that lasts until the very end.

Mikey Madison’s Star-Making Turn

As a cinema enthusiast, I must admit that I’ve been following Mikey Madison’s career with keen interest. Known for her quirky roles as offbeat sidekicks in films like “Scream” (2022) and “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood”, she’s become a familiar face to many moviegoers. However, if you’ve been keeping up with the fantastic FX drama “Better Things”, her performance in “Anora” might feel invigorating but not entirely surprising. After all, for five seasons, Madison beautifully portrayed the eldest of Pamela Adlon’s three daughters, a character that evolved from a rebellious teen to a surprisingly mature and insightful young adult.

In the title role of “Anora,” Madison delivers a captivating performance that mirrors Marisa Tomei’s breakout role in “My Cousin Vinny.” Similar to Mona Lisa Vito, Ani is often misjudged by the men around her, who see her primarily as a woman seeking opportunities rather than the complex character she truly is.

In a different turn of phrase: Ivan’s parents dispatch Toros (Karren Karagulian), an anxious Armenian priest and reliable companion, along with his eccentric henchmen Garnick (Vache Tovmasyan) and Igor (Yuriy Borisov), to handle Ani. However, Ani turns out to be more resilient and shrewd than they anticipated, as she begins to land punches. Many of the movie’s hilarious third act revolves around these scenes where Ani and the band of tough guys embark on a New York adventure to find Ivan.

To Have and Have Not

In most of the story called Anora, we find ourselves anticipating a turn for the worse. Contrary to typical plot twists where a character falls for someone from an unfamiliar social background and learns valuable lessons, it’s far more authentic and raw. It’s not your average third-act confession or cliché romance of a wayward youth falling for a woman beyond his social standing. Instead, the narrative is marked by a poignant honesty that might challenge our expectations.

In simple terms, the global promotion for Anora labels Baker’s newest creation as a “heartwarming tale set in America.” This label, which could describe most of Baker’s works, is a more fitting description than the American slogan (“Love is a grind,” which comes off as overly simplistic and cute). The illusion of the American Dream suggests that anyone can achieve success if they work hard enough. However, Ani’s journey in her relationship with Ivan portrays the harsh reality experienced by many individuals, some of whom, like Ani, would seize the chance to believe in this idealistic fantasy if offered.

Indeed, it’s common knowledge that the majority of affluent individuals have inherited their wealth due to connections and advantages, often built upon the labor and sacrifices of individuals such as Ani and Igor, who work for prominent families but still rely on outdated vehicles like their grandmothers’. Just like many others, Ani and Igor find it challenging to climb the social ladder through traditional means. Capitalism, in its current form, offers them slim chances; their only hope is a lucky lottery win or an equivalent stroke of luck – for Ani, this came in the form of a rebellious young aristocrat who defies his snobbish parents by courting a sex worker from Brighton Beach.

Although the classic ending of “Pretty Woman” cannot occur, the movie doesn’t conclude right away; instead, it seems like we are holding our breath, anticipating the moment to release it. In this suspenseful pause, Anora provides a satisfying emotional resolution, as Ani finally takes off her tough exterior in a poignant, intimate scene. Baker skillfully demonstrates that catharsis is earned through pain, but there’s also an undeniable sense of hopefulness about it, leaving a pleasant aftertaste as the credits softly play.

On October 18, 2024, the movies NEON will showcase Anora in cinemas. This film has previously been exhibited at Fantastic Fest.

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2024-09-23 00:03