Title: Anora
MPA Rating: R
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov
Runtime: 2 hrs 19 mins
What It Is: Anora (Madison), who prefers to be called Ani, is an exotic dancer who also happens to speak Russian. When Ivan (Eydelshteyn) and his crew show up to party, Ani is the only dancer at the club. Ivan, perhaps naively, begins to develop feelings for her. What starts as a casual fling quickly escalates into a full-blown marriage when the two impulsively tie the knot during a trip to Vegas—without informing Ivan’s very wealthy and very Russian family.
Things take a turn when the family’s fixer, Toros (Karren Karagulian), is sent to clean up the situation and enforce an annulment, as ordered by Ivan’s parents. The only problem? They have no idea where Ivan has disappeared to.
What We Think: I’ve said it many times—Sean Baker’s films just aren’t for me. I don’t know if it’s his style or his writing, but they never quite get their hooks into me. The Florida Project, for example, didn’t tug at my heartstrings the way it intended to; instead, I mostly just felt annoyed.
That being said, this might be Baker’s single best film. Mikey Madison is electrifying—a lightning rod of naivety, grace, and beauty. Her love for Ivan, whether real or make-believe, feels genuine. The entire film hinges on Madison’s performance, and Baker truly lets her shine.
That’s one thing I do love about Baker’s films—he trusts his leads, no matter their level of experience. And here, that trust pays off.
Our Grade: B+, Once again, I’m the guy who has to say that the Sean Baker movie just isn’t as good as everyone claims it is. For me, it lacks resolution.
Baker’s direction is strong enough to keep audiences engaged and even fall in love with Ani, Pretty Woman-style. But while it’s good, it’s not quite great.
Yura Borisov, however, is absolutely excellent in what should be an Oscar-nominated performance. His portrayal initially seems unassuming, but it gradually transforms into something extraordinary. That, once again, is a testament to Baker’s work behind the lens.