A raw exploration of lust, power, and fantasy
Sean Baker’s Anora, winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes 2024, explores the turbulent relationship between a New York City exotic dancer and the son of a Russian oligarch. This film is yet another masterstroke from Baker, renowned for his gritty portrayals of marginalized characters in films like Tangerine, The Florida Project, and Red Rocket.
Ani, played with unflinching authenticity by Mikey Madison is an exotic dancer in Brooklyn who transforms into her stage persona, Anora, every night at a local club. Despite her modest and shabby apartment located above the rattling subway, Ani manages to radiate glamor under the bright lights of her work.
Vanya, (played by Mark Eydelshteyn) a naive and carefree young man with ties to unimaginable wealth, brings with him a certain innocence that endears him to Ani. Their unlikely connection blossoms into a whirlwind romance, allowing Ani a glimpse into a world of luxury she had only fantasized about. However, this dreamlike affair is short-lived, as the powerful grip of Vanya’s Russian oligarch family begins to threaten their relationship. Ani’s aspirations for a better life, represented visually by her “long pink fingernails,” remain just out of reach.
Sean Baker’s directing style shines in Anora, maintaining a balance between humor and tension, characteristic of Baker’s earlier works but honed to a sharper edge. Quick montages juxtapose with anxious, prolonged sequences that pull viewers into the emotional depths of Ani’s life. Baker’s pacing, both frenetic and meditative, brings a sense of unpredictability to the story, keeping viewers on edge as Ani navigates the chaos of her tumultuous relationship and precarious life.
Much of Anora‘s power comes from the unflinching performance of Mikey Madison. Known for her previous roles in Better Things and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Madison delivers a charismatic portrayal of Ani, a woman who is both strong and vulnerable, deeply cynical yet hopeful. Her crass humor and unapologetic attitude are counterbalanced by moments of tenderness, especially in her interactions with Vanya. Madison’s standout performance adds depth to a character grappling with the dream of escaping her reality, even as the world around her pulls her deeper into its grip.
Baker’s film, while maintaining the veneer of a romance, the themes of class disparity and the intoxicating power dynamics of wealth feature prominently. Vanya, with his seemingly endless resources, represents the life Ani dreams of, but also the dangers that come with it. The looming threat of Vanya’s family underscores the larger forces at play, as Ani finds herself entangled in a web of privilege and peril.
Through Ani’s story, Anora provides a critical look at the American Dream — particularly for those on the fringes of society. As with his earlier films, Baker continues to shine a light on the lives of the overlooked, making Anora both a personal tale of romance and an incisive commentary on contemporary class issues.
Anora is a thrilling, tragic, and often darkly comedic exploration of love, power, and fantasy. Sean Baker offers a character-driven narrative that builds on his already impressive filmography, with a standout performance by Mikey Madison. The film leaves audiences questioning the thin line between fantasy and reality and serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of navigating desire and class in a world where power can corrupt even the most innocent of romances.
As Baker continues to tell stories that push the boundaries of conventional cinema, Anora leaves a lasting impression with its portrayal of a life caught between dreams and reality.
Anora was released October 18 in select cinemas. Find a screening here.