Anora

Gritty Fairy Tale For The Modern Age

In 2024, Sean Baker will release a film titled “Anora.” Unlike extraordinary rags-to-riches films, “Anora” focuses on a young stripper’s life who catapults into not-so-ordinary chaos, love, and unintentional power, all against the backdrop of Brighton Beach’s rawness intertwined with the surrealness of Las Vegas.

Sean Baker is known for his emotionally raw and socially charged films, like Tangerine, The Florida Project, and Red Rocket. In ‘Anora’, with a career-changing performance by Mikey Madison, he dives into America’s romantic underbelly. Baker’s blend of high-stakes romance, class commentary, and chaotically unforgettable storyline paired with gorgeous cinematography makes Anora a must-watch.

🌆 Plot Summary

Twenty-something Ani Mikheeva (Mikey Madison) is a stripper at one of the many clubs in Brighton Beach. It is no surprise that she hustles for cash and is a stubborn daydreamer. After enduring a life full of intimacy masquerading as emotional, she toughens up and builds armor around her heart. For someone so young, Ani surely has a lot on her mental plate.

And that’s exactly where Vanya Zakharov (Mark Eydelshteyn) steps in. He is the son of a Russian oligarch with no purpose in life. Vanya is a sheltered enigma. When the pair meet, there is absolutely no denying the instant and electric chemistry between them. Laden with vodka and reckless youth, the two impulsively marry in Vegas, dreaming it to be nothing but a rebellious joke.

Their ‘joke’ turns out to be a horrible case of a very-real marriage with dire consequences.

When Vanya’s ultra-wealthy and dangerous family finds out, they flock to Ani like vultures—lawyers, threats, and boundless treasure in tow. But what they did not foresee was Ani’s determination to not be erased. What ensues is an head-on clash of working-class grit and dynastic privilege, as Ani digs in her heels and battles not only for Vanya’s world but for herself—in every sense.

🎭 Main Cast

Mikey Madison as Anora “Ani” Mikheeva: A character who bursts onto the scene – soft yet unyielding, and far more intricate than the surface-level interpretation of her suggests.

Mark Eydelshteyn as Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov: A spoiled child thrust into an unfamiliar reality and trying to make sense of it all.

Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, Darya Ekamasova, and Aleksei Serebryakov play key supporting characters who paint the picture of the chaotic and darkly comic world Ani finds herself in.

🎬 Direction, Style & Themes

For Anora, Baker uses the exact verité realism and stylistic flourish he applies to his best works. It is the fusion of handheld proximity and splashes of color that illustrates the conflict between that which is sought after and that which is necessary for survival.

Thematic considerations encompass:

The exploitation of women in a power and image centered society

Existential notions of the immigrant experience within a multicultural America

Negotiated sex work defined in terms of labor rather than performance

And most importantly, a self-determined woman who will not be “handled” by anyone.

The film artfully weaves together dark wit, chaotic romance, and incisive social commentary—never straying into melodrama. Think Pretty Woman by way of Uncut Gems: a contemporary Cinderella tale where clear stilettos replace glass slippers, along with a fiery attitude.

🌟 Noteworthy Recognitions

Anora debuted at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, receiving a standing ovation lasting 10 minutes before bagging the coveted Palme d’Or. It has since laden the awards circuit with accolades, winning:

Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress

Praise from critics regarding the film’s authenticity, bold storytelling, and Mikey Madison’s powerhouse performance.

📺 Where to Watch

Streaming: Available on Hulu starting March 17, 2025.

Theatrical Release: October 18, 2024 (limited + expanded).

💬 Closing Remarks

Anora is outrageous a love story and at the same time a brutally sharp social commentary all wrapped up in a single unforgettable movie. It is a film that explores sex, money and survival, but at the very center is a woman who can’t and won’t be silenced—no matter how many billionaires dare to challenge her.

If you have had enough of sugar-coated fairy tales, meet Anora, the potty-mouthed, hissing, stiletto-strutting fairytale you never knew you needed.