Since its premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Anora has been on an unstoppable awards streak. Winning the Palme d’Or (the top prize at Cannes), earning five Golden Globe nominations, and becoming a frontrunner for the 2025 Oscars, Sean Baker’s latest delivers an electrifying, modern twist on a Cinderella story that keeps audiences hooked.
Anora follows Ani, a Brooklyn sex worker who meets Vanya, the young son of a Russian oligarch. Their whirlwind marriage triggers a chaotic chase as Vanya’s parents attempt to annul their union.
Packed with laughs, romance, and unexpected twists, here are five reasons why Anora deserves all the awards.
1. Mikey Madison
Blazing through the screen with ferocious charisma and intensity, actress Mikey Madison owns just about every frame of this film. Playing the wild but lovable Ani, Madison throws her entire self into this role, creating a truly unforgettable character. Best known for her villainous and psychotic supporting roles in films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Scream, this up-and-coming actress has cemented herself as part of the new breed of major Hollywood stars with this awards-worthy performance.
2. An Explosive Ensemble
While centered on Madison’s Ani, the film thrives on a remarkable ensemble of Russian and Armenian actors, many making their debuts in American cinema. Mark Eydelshteyn plays the rebellious Vanya, Karren Karagulian his exasperated handler Toros, Vache Tovmasyan the irritable Garnick, and Yura Borisov the mild-mannered Igor. The highlight of the film is a scene where the entire cast bickers brilliantly, each delivering standout performances.
3. A Hilarious and Compassionate Script
Writer-director Sean Baker is known for capturing life on society’s fringes, tackling complex issues with humor and empathy. Like Tangerine and the Oscar-nominated The Florida Project, Anora explores growth, hope, and survival in a chaotic world. What makes Anora especially memorable is its sharp, funny dialogue. Despite the characters' struggles, the film is filled with unforgettable one-liners and moments.
4. Authentic Locations
Baker’s films often use real locations to create an authentic, raw atmosphere. Set largely in New York City, the film seamlessly integrates the city into its narrative. Club and bar scenes are shot with a documentary-like realism, enhancing their authenticity. A segment in Las Vegas is so vividly crafted through its locations, music, and editing that it feels like you’re part of the party.
5. All the Feels
The film seamlessly transitions through a spectrum of emotions. At one moment, it’s a romantic tale drawing you into Ani and Vanya’s blossoming (and doomed) love. Soon after, it shifts into laugh-out-loud slapstick comedy. Then, just when you’re caught off guard, it delivers poignant and hard-hitting truths that leave you stunned. It’s an emotional roller-coaster you’ll be glad to experience.
Anora is a fantastic cinematic experience that you can re-watch over and over. While it could benefit from deeper character backstories, this fast-paced, hilarious, and heartfelt film delivers euphoria through sharp writing and a brilliant cast, led by the outstanding Mikey Madison.
“Anora” premieres in Philippine theaters January 22, 2025.