Quick Summary Box
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Anora (2024) |
| Director | Sean Baker |
| Cast | Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yuriy Borisov, Karren Karagulian |
| Genre | Drama, Comedy |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 ⭐ |
| Duration | 2h 21m |
| Where to Watch | In theaters (wide release July 2024) |
| Release Date | May 17, 2024 (Cannes), July 19, 2024 (US) |
Introduction: The Unexpected Palme d’Or Winner
Sean Baker’s “Anora” burst onto the scene at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it captured the prestigious Palme d’Or, cementing Baker’s status as one of America’s most vital independent filmmakers. Following in the footsteps of his acclaimed works “The Florida Project” and “Red Rocket,” Baker once again turns his empathetic lens toward marginalized individuals living on the fringes of American society. With “Anora,” he crafts a vibrant, hilarious, and ultimately poignant tale that explores the intersection of class, immigration, and the elusive pursuit of the American Dream.
Plot: A Whirlwind Romance in Brighton Beach
“Anora” follows the titular character (Mikey Madison), a young sex worker in New York City who works at a massage parlor while dreaming of a better life. Her world is turned upside down when she meets Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the reckless son of a Russian oligarch who’s been sent to Brooklyn to learn responsibility. After a wild night together, the impulsive Vanya proposes marriage to Anora, seeing it as both a rebellious act against his controlling father and a genuine connection with someone from a completely different world.
The newlyweds enjoy a brief honeymoon period of extravagant spending and genuine affection, but their bliss is shattered when Vanya’s parents discover the marriage. Determined to protect their family’s wealth and status, they dispatch a team of fixers led by the intimidating Toros (Karren Karagulian) to annul the marriage and separate the couple by any means necessary. What follows is a madcap chase through the Brighton Beach Russian-American community as Anora fights for her marriage—or at least for the dignity of making her own choices about her future.
Performance Analysis: A Star-Making Turn
Mikey Madison delivers what can only be described as a career-defining performance as Anora. Previously known for her roles in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and the “Scream” franchise, Madison reveals extraordinary range here, seamlessly transitioning between bawdy comedy, genuine romance, and devastating vulnerability. Through her expressive face and physical presence, she embodies Anora’s tough exterior while subtly revealing the dreams and disappointments that lie beneath.
As Vanya, newcomer Mark Eydelshteyn brings remarkable nuance to what could have been a one-note character. His portrayal balances privileged naivety with genuine affection, making the audience believe in the unlikely connection between these two characters from vastly different worlds.
Karren Karagulian, a regular in Baker’s films, delivers a standout supporting performance as Toros, bringing both menace and unexpected humanity to his role as the family fixer. The predominantly Russian-American supporting cast provides authentic texture to the Brighton Beach setting, with many non-professional actors delivering remarkably natural performances.
Visual Storytelling: Vibrant Energy in Every Frame
Cinematographer Drew Daniels (who previously worked on “Waves” and “It Comes at Night”) employs a visual style that perfectly complements Baker’s storytelling. Shot primarily on 35mm film, “Anora” has a tactile, vivid quality that heightens the sensory experience of Brighton Beach’s neon-lit streets, cramped apartments, and opulent hotel suites.
Baker’s direction maintains an energetic pace throughout, with handheld camerawork that creates both intimacy and urgency. The film’s visual language shifts subtly as the story progresses—beginning with the dreamy, colorful aesthetics of romantic comedy before gradually introducing more claustrophobic framing and muted tones as the walls close in around Anora and Vanya.
Particularly striking is Baker’s use of New York City as more than mere backdrop. The cultural mosaic of Brighton Beach becomes a character in itself, with its Russian shops, boardwalk, and oceanfront providing a vivid setting that reflects the immigrant experience central to the film’s themes.
Thematic Richness: The Intersection of Dreams and Reality
While entertaining on a surface level, “Anora” operates as a multifaceted examination of several compelling themes:
Class Divide: The relationship between Anora and Vanya serves as a microcosm for exploring the vast economic disparities in contemporary America. Their union represents a temporary collapse of class boundaries that society—represented by Vanya’s family—swiftly moves to restore.
Immigration and Identity: Through its rich portrayal of Brighton Beach’s Russian-American community, the film explores the immigrant experience and the complex relationship between cultural heritage and American identity. Anora herself embodies this duality, navigating between worlds while trying to define herself on her own terms.
Female Agency: At its core, “Anora” is about a woman fighting not necessarily for love, but for the right to determine her own fate. Baker crafts Anora as neither victim nor saint, but as a complex individual whose determination to maintain agency over her life drives the narrative forward.
The American Dream: Baker continues his career-long examination of the gap between American mythology and reality. Anora’s pursuit of stability and opportunity—and the obstacles she faces—offers a pointed critique of the accessibility of the American Dream for those not born into privilege.
Cultural Impact: Contemporary Cinema with Classic Roots
“Anora” draws inspiration from classic screwball comedies and 1970s character studies while remaining thoroughly modern in its sensibilities. Its Palme d’Or win at Cannes places it in conversation with other recent American independent films like “Nomadland” and “Parasite” that have achieved critical acclaim while addressing pressing social issues.
Baker’s refusal to moralize or pass judgment on his characters continues his distinctive approach to storytelling. Like his previous works, “Anora” finds humanity and dignity in characters often marginalized or stereotyped in mainstream cinema, expanding the scope of whose stories deserve to be told on screen.
The film’s frank and non-exploitative approach to depicting sex work has also generated discussion about how such professions are portrayed in cinema, with many critics praising Baker’s nuanced treatment that neither glamorizes nor condemns.
The Film’s Legacy: A Milestone in Independent Cinema
While it’s too early to definitively assess “Anora’s” long-term impact, its Cannes triumph and critical acclaim suggest it will stand as a significant entry in both Baker’s filmography and 2020s American independent cinema. Its success continues to cement Baker’s status as one of the most important chroniclers of contemporary American life on the margins.
By winning the Palme d’Or—the first American film to do so since Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” in 2011—”Anora” represents a significant achievement for American independent cinema on the global stage, proving that personal, character-driven narratives can still resonate widely in an era dominated by franchise filmmaking.
Conclusion: A Triumph of Heart and Craft
“Anora” succeeds on multiple levels—as a wildly entertaining comedy, a touching romance, a social commentary, and a showcase for exceptional performances. Baker’s ability to balance humor and heartbreak, to find dignity in unexpected places, and to treat all his characters with fundamental respect results in a film that lingers long after the credits roll.
For those familiar with Baker’s previous work, “Anora” represents both a continuation and evolution of his distinctive filmmaking approach. For newcomers, it serves as an ideal introduction to a director whose empathy, technical skill, and unique vision have established him as one of American cinema’s most vital voices.
In a film landscape often dominated by spectacle and franchise entries, “Anora” stands as a powerful reminder of cinema’s ability to illuminate lives rarely seen on screen and to find universal resonance in specific, personal stories. It’s not just one of the year’s best films—it’s a testament to the continued vitality and relevance of independent American filmmaking.
Did You Know?
- Sean Baker shot the film primarily on 35mm film rather than digital to achieve a specific textural quality
- “Anora” is the first American film to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes since 2011
- Many of the supporting roles are played by non-professional actors from Brighton Beach’s Russian-American community
- The film was shot on location throughout Brighton Beach and Coney Island
- Mikey Madison learned several phrases in Russian for her role and studied with sex workers to authentically portray Anora
Where to Watch
Currently in limited theatrical release, with wide release scheduled for July 2024. Streaming availability to be announced.
If You Enjoyed “Anora,” You Might Also Like:
- “The Florida Project” (2017) – Baker’s earlier exploration of life on the margins of American society
- “Marriage Story” (2019) – Another contemporary examination of relationship dynamics across social divides
- “Midnight Cowboy” (1969) – The classic tale of hustlers and dreamers in New York City
- “Licorice Pizza” (2021) – A similarly energetic tale of an unlikely relationship in a specific time and place
1 thought on “Anora (2024) Review: A Captivating Tale of Love, Immigration, and the American Dream”