As a cinephile who’s been around the block more times than I care to remember, I can confidently say that Anora is one of the most captivating films to grace the silver screen in recent memory. Having attended countless film festivals and screenings, I’ve seen my fair share of movies, but none have quite captured the raw, authentic emotion that this masterpiece has managed to convey.
The critically acclaimed movie titled “Anora,” which was highly praised in 2024, has now made its way to the big screen. Directed by Sean Baker and featuring Mikey Madison, it tells the story of an exotic dancer who unexpectedly falls into a passionate romance with the son of a Russian mob boss. However, their secret marriage soon turns troublesome when his family becomes aware of their union. The film initially premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and secured the prestigious Palm d’Or, marking the first time an American film has won this top prize since “Tree of Life” in 2011. Now, audiences can finally catch “Anora” in theaters as it starts its potential awards campaign.
This week’s top new movie, Anora, is currently enjoying a high rating of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, which has given it the ‘Certified Fresh’ label. Its score outshines many movies playing in cinemas at the moment, such as this weekend’s releases like Smile 2 (82%) and Terrifier 3 (74%), as well as fellow tragic romance We Live in Time (80%). On Metacritic, Anora has an equally impressive score of 92%, based on 40 reviews and an audience score of 82% from 17 verified user ratings. This has earned the movie the ‘Universal Acclaim’ banner on the site.
Ever since its premiere at Cannes this summer, I’ve been captivated by the critically acclaimed film, Anora. MovieWeb’s Britt Hayes even gave it a perfect 10/10 score, likening it to Pretty Woman and describing it as “a gripping portrayal of life on society’s fringes, with the spirit of John Cassavetes running deep within its core.” The film’s leading lady, Mikey Madison, has received a great deal of recognition. Screen International’s Wendy Idle called her “a breathtaking revelation“, while Collider hailed her character Ani/Anora as “an exceptional breakout performance from Mikey Madison.” Even Rolling Stone’s David Fear couldn’t help but shower the actress with praise.
Mikey Madison departs offstage with top billing status, leaving audiences thinking they’ve fully grasped her portrayal of a working-class heroine. However, surprisingly, the actor skillfully finds a way to leave viewers utterly astonished.
Let the Oscar Race Begin with Anora
Before making its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, Neon secured the rights to distribute Anora. After winning the Palm d’Or, it began a limited release in six theaters starting October 18, 2024, with plans to expand into additional theaters as it aims to generate awards buzz. Notably, Anora marks Neon’s fifth consecutive acquisition of Palme d’Or winners, following films such as Parasite, Titane, Triangle of Sadness, and Anatomy of a Fall. With the exception of Titane, all previous Palme d’Or winners have been nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, with Parasite ultimately winning the top prize. Therefore, there is significant anticipation surrounding Anora.
With rave reviews pouring in, it’s clear that Anora is off to a strong start as a serious contender for the Oscars. However, the question remains whether it can sustain this momentum throughout the awards season or if late-December releases such as Queer, The Brutalist, and Babygirl might steal some of its limelight. Mikey Madison is certainly a strong contender for Best Actress, but the competition will grow tougher. Despite the fact that the box office landscape has drastically changed since Pretty Woman’s success in 1990, it wouldn’t be surprising if Anora managed to become a box office sensation on its own merit. The film’s blend of class consciousness, romance, and Oscar buzz could make Anora a mainstream hit.
Anora
is playing in theaters in limited release now.
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2024-10-19 02:34