21/29
Referenced in Featured: Anora (2024)
Narrative
Anora, a young prostitute from Brooklyn, meets an oligarch’s son and marries him spontaneously. When news of this reaches Russia, their fairytale is put in jeopardy when her parents travel to New York to have the marriage annulled. Sean Baker wanted to cast Yura Borisov after seeing him in Kupe br. 6 (2021). In a Las Vegas scene, a character refers to “McCarran Airport.” Although Las Vegas International Airport was known as McCarran International Airport for decades, its name was changed to Harry Reid International Airport in late 2021. Igor: PLEASE! ENOUGH! I SCREAM!
Ani is one of the strippers
Daddy AFSritten by and starring Catherine Slater (aka Slayyter). In his previous films (“Tangerine,” “Red Rocket,” “The Florida Project”), writer-director Sean Baker has regularly explored various themes, especially the plight of immigrants and the struggles of sex workers. One of the hallmarks of Baker’s work is the constant respect he shows his characters. “Anora” embodies all of the above, but is imbued with a light touch of optimism, a streak of hope, and a main character with attitude and a healthy dose of self-respect. These improvements over her previous work make it Anora Baker’s best film to date. When Anora (who insists on going by the name Ani — it sounds like “Annie”) meets Ivan, the son of a Russian oligarch, it’s far from a pleasant introduction. They first meet at a strip club. During Ivan’s initial infatuation, a lot of money changes hands.
Always a practical girl, Ani always asks for cash in advance
He buys Ani’s time for a night, then for a week. While she seems to be having fun with Ivan, she is clear about her role and place. That all changes during a drug-fueled trip to Las Vegas that culminates in a marriage proposal, a four-carat ring, and a trip to one of the Strip’s wedding chapels. Ani moves with Ivan into her parents’ gated three-story mansion in Brighton Beach. When the news reaches Russia, the oligarch and his young model wife are unimpressed. They board a private jet and fly to the United States to annul the wedding. The film is full of Russian actors playing Russians, with a few Armenians thrown in for good measure. But all eyes are on Mikey Madison (“Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” “Scream,” TV’s “Better Things”) in the title role.
Madison’s Ani is radiant
She is confident, smart, sassy, and very realistic about her place in the world. She does her sex work in a matter-of-fact way that protects her from constant cynicism and despair. Once the film gains momentum, every viewer with a soul keeps their fingers crossed for Ani. It is Madison’s charm and attractiveness that takes Anora from a good film to an excellent one. Along the way, Baker makes some interesting observations about immigrants trying to take their place, even if only temporarily, in the American melting pot. We see the slightly outdated clothes, the struggles with a new language, and the all-too-frequent laughter and bravery that tries to hide how hard everyone works just to fit in. These newcomers also demonstrate that servility knows no national borders. Baker also has a clear view of sex workers.
It never enters “Pretty Woman” territory
Although the film often contains sex scenes and considerable nudity, it is neither pornographic, obscene, nor voyeuristic. The film conveys that sex for money is the ultimate source of income for people who might otherwise have little or no means of financial survival. Sex work is neither glorified nor demonized. As it progresses, “Anora” avoids a number of pitfalls. It shows us a flawed character that we all want to root for.