SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read this post if you haven’t seen, or don’t want to know, details from the movie Anora (streaming on VOD).

Love is a hustle. -A tagline for the film

This is yet (another) movie that shows us the hard truth- ain’t NO man coming to save you! This is my 1st time watching a Sean Baker movie; he’s the writer, director, and editor of this (unusual) indie film. This film won the Palm d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The title character (who prefers to be called “Ani”) is played by Mikey Madison; I saw this actress in her supporting role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). Ani is a 23 y.o. stripper (or sex worker) at a club in Manhattan; she’s a blend of sweet and tough (as several viewers noted). One night, the club’s manager pulls Ani aside to explain that a client wants to see someone who speaks Russian. Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn) is a big spender/heavy drinker, though just 21 y.o. Since Ani’s grandma never learned English, they communicated in Russian. Ani quickly charms Vanya; soon, he invites her to his mansion. They seem to like each other, have some laughs, and end up in Vegas (w/ a group of his friends); of course, Anora is paid to act like a gf. Suddenly (after a week), Vanya proposes to Ani, and she says “yes!” Are they really in love? Is this a reckless decision they’ll come to regret?

Some viewers have compared this movie to Pretty Woman, BUT w/ a more gritty, dark, and realistic bent. The nudity (and intimate scenes) are also unlike ones you’d see in typical rom coms. This film takes an (unflinching) look at the issue of class; this is NOT often done in America. Honestly, I didn’t think much re: class/social differences until I lived in NYC myself. In once scene, Vanya (unlike Anora) doesn’t move his feet while his young maid (a Russian immigrant) is vacuuming; he continues to play video games. It turns out that Vanya is still an immature boy; his lifestyle is paid for by his wealthy/business-oriented parents (who live in Russia).

The 1st act has been described as a (high energy) rom com; the rest is slower w/ the tone of a dark comedy. It was refreshing to see areas of NYC that aren’t often in movies; Ani lives in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn (known for its large Russian population). We see Coney Island (nearly empty in Winter) and points of interest in Vegas (such as an iconic wedding chapel). Though Ani is the central (POV) character, the supporting characters (who work for Vanya’s parents) add flavor to the story. Toros (Karren Karagulian) is the priest who baptized Vanya; he’s one of the men responsible for watching out for Vanya. Igor (Yura Borisov) is a quiet/stoic young man who works as an enforcer. One astute movie critic noted that both Ani and Igor use their bodies in their work. What did you think of that (unexpected) last scene of the movie? I found myself getting a BIT emotional.

[1] Anora is a punch to the face of the traditional fairytale concept. It’s a realistic, violent, raw, funny, and ultimately sweet modern Cinderella story.

[2] Some films are completely made by their last scenes, and Anora is one of them. […]

…in the film’s final moments, we see all of that bravura fall away and Anora turn into a sobbing little girl when a character offers her a taste of genuine human kindness and affection.

[3] Once the first act concludes and the second act kicks in, there’s a striking shift in both tone and style that I honestly did not see coming.

The comedy is genuinely entertaining, with moments that will have you laughing out loud. Despite serious circumstances, the absurdity of the situations elicits laughter and chuckles.

[4] The storyline was predictable and uninspired, failing to hold my attention or evoke any emotional response. The characters lacked depth, making it impossible to connect with them or care about their journey.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews