Anora (2024)
- Aditya Sharma
- Dec 19, 2024
- 2 min read
Anora will now stay lodged in my brain for days! Sean Baker’s latest is sad, funny, and so vividly real that I’m still replaying the final scene in my head. It’s not your typical romantic comedy, it’s more like a screwball rollercoaster that dives headfirst into chaos, class struggles, and messy relationships. And honestly? I loved every minute of it.
Mikey Madison completely blew me away as Ani, the fiery Brooklyn stripper at the heart of the story. Her performance is easily one of the best I’ve seen this year. She’s raw, sassy, and vulnerable all at once, and you can’t help but root for her. The supporting cast is no slouch either, Yura Borisov’s Igor brings this quiet depth that caught me off guard, and Mark Eydelshteyn’s Ivan is a perfect mix of spoiled charm and man-child energy. Together, they create this dynamic that feels so real, it’s almost like you’re eavesdropping on their lives.
Visually, the film is a stunner. From the neon glow of Vegas to the gritty streets of Brighton Beach, every scene feels meticulously crafted. The blocking and staging? Absolutely phenomenal. It’s like each frame tells its own little story. And don’t even get me started on the soundtrack! It’s such a vibe. It perfectly captures the chaos, humour, and occasional heartbreak that runs through the film. You feel the beats, the tension, and the bittersweet moments in equal measure.
What really stood out for me, though, was the way Baker handled the story. He dives into some heavy topics like class disparity, sex work, and family power dynamics but he does it with such care and honesty. The mix of humour and serious moments kept me on my toes, and while it sometimes felt like the comedy and darker themes were wrestling for space, it worked more often than not. Baker doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s what makes it hit so hard.
Smash Hit Score: 9/10
Anora is a wild, heartfelt ride, and even with its 140-minute runtime, I didn’t want it to end. Sure, it’s not perfect but it’s bold, layered, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether it’s Mikey Madison’s knockout performance, the beautiful visuals, or the soundtrack that still hasn’t left my head, this film is something special.
All film shots taken from TheMovieDB.org