"Anora," a modern Cinderella tale gone wrong, is a 2024 drama-comedy by indie film director Sean Baker. The film produced by Neon is set to appear in theaters nationwide on Nov. 1 — ideal for a cold but colorful winter.
Baker is best known for his films that depict the absurdity, sadness and beauty that lie in everyday life; Whether it's a story about a single mother living with her mischievous daughter in a motel across from Walt Disney World or one about a retired adult film star returning from LA to Texas in hopes of getting back the golden days.
"Anora" is no exception, as it's neatly packaged with hilarious banter, Kubrick-esque cinematography and an underlying sadness seeping through its seams.
The Oscar-worthy story follows Ani, a name preferred to Anora, who is a Russian-American stripper in New York City. She's played by Mikey Madison, best known for her roles in "Scream" and "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood." Madison's acting is stellar as she graces the screen with a bold yet humble personality.
One day at work, Ani's boss tells her a wealthy Slavic client, known as Vanya (Mark Eidelstein) is asking for someone who speaks Russian. Shortly after meeting, Vanya asks Ani if they can be exclusive and he pays her to be his girlfriend for a week.
What ensues is a funny and magical first act. Ani has met her prince (the son of a Russian oligarch) and can live in his castle (his dad's place), spending all the money she wants. They fly to Las Vegas with Vanya's unmistakably Gen Z American friends and splash around in expensive pools and drink even more expensive champagne.
Of course, when Vanya suggests getting married in a Las Vegas chapel in exchange for a green card, Ani happily obliges. Who would give up the satisfaction of flashing a giant shiny engagement ring to your co-worker who prays on your downfall? The wedding bells sound exactly like the American dream.
Almost immediately after getting married, Ani's fairytale life is flipped upside down. The subsequent scenes, although hilarious, unravel into a nightmare.
The audience gets to see what happens when the so-called 'American dream' is exactly that — a dream.
Sex work isn't often depicted in movies and TV from a woman's perspective, but "Anora" authentically captures the complexities of being empowered yet dehumanized by a job that literally requires a person to use their body in exchange for a livable wage. "Anora" explores how that might shape a person's worldview, relationships with others and self-perception.
Baker does an excellent job of putting you in Ani's position. You feel every emotion she has and relate to her despite her situation being quite unique. Each actor plays their character so well that it feels shockingly realistic: From Eidelstein's portrayal of a quirky man-child to Ivy Wolk's performance as a chronically online girl named Crystal who lets Ani and Vanya eat candy from her store in Coney Island.
The second and third act are undeniably triumphant and equally as impressive in terms of scenery. The snowy January setting perfectly encapsulates post-holiday depression, when all that winter has left to offer is cold and darkness.
Watching "Anora" in a packed movie theater is ideal, as the audience can be heard going from laughing and singing along to needle drops such as "All The Things She Said" to gazing at the final scene in heart-shattering silence.
"Anora" is a breathtaking film with hilarious highs and beautiful but harrowing lows. The opening week sales not only prove the power this film holds, but also reveal that movie-watchers are begging for more films that are artistically made and have adult audiences in mind.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Editor's note: The review presented in this column are the author's and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
Edited by Andrew Dirst, Sophia Braccio, Tiya Talwar and Madeline Schmitke.
Reach the reporter at njarret1@asu.edu and follow @nataliajarrett on X and @nattyice666 on Letterboxd.
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Natalia is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is her third semester with The State Press. She has also worked as a politics reporter.
