Anora

Sean Baker's Anora is a bold, unabashed dive into the underbelly of the American dream, where the veneer of glitz and wealth barely conceals a deeper world of despair and fleeting hope. Sean Baker, known for his raw portraits of marginalized individuals in society, constructs a story that dances between the outrageous and the tender, the chaotic and the serene, creating a cinematic experience as emotionally varied as it is visually striking.

The film centers on Anora, commonly known as Ani, a young sex worker played with spellbinding depth by Mikey Madison. Ani's life is far from the fairy tale she'd like it to be. She's tough, pragmatic and acutely aware of the transactional nature of her existence. Yet despite the harshness of her reality, there's a glimmer of idealism in her, a yearning for something more, something better, that she clings to even as the odds stack against her. Mikey Madison's performance is a revelation, embodying a character both resilient and vulnerable, a fighter who doesn't really believe in fairy tales but can't help hoping for one.

The story begins when Ani meets Ivan Zakharov, the naive and exuberantly wealthy son of a Russian oligarch, played with awkward charm by Mark Eydelshteyn. Their romance, fueled by Ivan Zakharov's uncontrolled privileges and Ani's bid for a better life, leads to their spontaneous marriage in Las Vegas, a decision that quickly spirals out of control when Ivan Zakharov's family gets involved. The arrival of Ivan Zakharov's father's henchmen, including Igor, played by Yura Borisov, turns the film from a vibrant romantic comedy into a frenetic chase that blends slapstick comedy with a biting critique of wealth and power.

Sean Baker's script is incisive and relentless, never shying away from the uncomfortable realities of his characters' lives. The humor, often dark and biting, serves as a counterpoint to the more tender moments, creating a film that's as likely to make you laugh as it is to make you think. The dialogue is fast-paced, filled with sharp exchanges that reveal as much about the characters' inner lives as their outer actions.

Cinematographer Drew Daniels captures New York and Las Vegas in a way that contrasts the glamour of their surfaces with the raw reality of their basements. The film's images are as complex as its narrative, each shot contributing to the overall impression of a world on the brink of collapse. The use of 35mm film gives Anora a tactile, almost vintage feel, anchoring its most fantastical elements in a reality that is both harsh and beautiful.

As Anora progresses, it becomes clear that Sean Baker is not just telling a story of love or survival, but also making a broader statement about the nature of dreams in America. The film explores how these dreams are often co-opted by those in power, leaving others to fight for the remnants. Despite this, Anora never loses her humanity. Even in its most chaotic moments, we feel deep empathy for its characters, especially Ani, whose journey is as much about self-discovery as survival.

Anora is a film that defies easy categorization. It's at once a screwball comedy, a social critique, a tender romance and a biting satire. Sean Baker's ability to weave these elements into a coherent, captivating narrative is a testament to his talent as a filmmaker. It's a film that lingers in the memory, its final moments lingering long after the credits have rolled, leaving you to ponder not only the fate of its characters, but also the broader questions it raises about the nature of love, power and the elusive American dream.

Anora
Written and directed by Sean Baker
Produced by Alex Coco, Samantha Quan, Sean Baker
Starring Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, Aleksei Serebryakov
Cinematography : Drew Daniels
Edited by Sean Baker
Music by Matthew Hearon-Smith
Production companies : FilmNation Entertainment, Cre Film
Distributed by Neon (United States), Le Pacte (France)
Release dates : May 21, 2024 (Cannes), October 18, 2024 (United States), October 30, 2024 (France)
Running time : 139 minutes

Seen on September 12, 2024 at the Deauville International Center

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