Phil Roberts 
Anora is a bold, outrageous, and sensational film that delivers everything but the kitchen sink. Mikey Madison is a tour de force here and is electrifying amongst the humor, glitz, and Russian calamity. With this latest addition to his filmography, Sean Baker has set a new standard for the genre.
Sean Baker has built his career around highlighting the stories of sex workers and the various challenges they face. With his latest film, ANORA, he dives back into the realm of adult entertainment, bringing the genre to life in striking detail. This film follows a stripper from Brooklyn who becomes entangled in a whirlwind romance with the son of a Russian oligarch.
Drawing inspiration from Julia Roberts’ beloved rom-com, Pretty Woman, this film takes an intriguing look at the human aspects of the adult entertainment industry. It infuses the genre with a delightful mix of fun, humor, and genuine emotion. However, the question remains: can Baker truly shift the public’s perception of sex work and unveil a hidden gem? Or is Anora better off staying in the strip club?
REVIEW
Fear not, movie fans, because Anora is a bold, outrageous, and sensational film that delivers everything but the kitchen sink. Mikey Madison is a tour de force here and is electrifying amongst the humor, glitz, and Russian calamity. With this latest addition to his filmography, Sean Baker has set a new standard for the genre, crafting an instant classic that deserves all the acclaim it’s receiving. The expectation was already high after winning the Palme d’Or earlier in the year, but the hype is well deserved. This classic love story has a sophisticated twist, transforming it into something greater than the sum of its parts. In the end, the film is a triumph that sets a new standard for all romantic comedies that will surely come after it.
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
The film takes a loose approach to the traditional rom-com narrative while quickly setting itself apart as a genuinely adult version right from the start. Kicking the movie off with several naked women gyrating on a string of punters in a New York strip club is a baptism of fire and not for the faint of heart, so prepare yourself in advance. This opening provides a glimpse into the essence of Mikey Madison’s character, Ani, whose immediate charm draws you in right from the beginning. Ani is a dreamer at heart, but her experiences in the strip club have toughened her. She makes her living by stripping and offering premium lapdances to her punters, who are more than willing to reward her for her talents.
Things take an unexpected turn when Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov, a wealthy Russian oligarch’s reckless and immature son, strolls into the club looking for a good time. Although Vanya has a limited grasp of English, he catches a break thanks to Ani’s upbringing in the Russian quarter of New York. Vanya is a wild child, but he is instantly tempered by the dazzling Ani, who swiftly whisks him away to a private sweet to perform. During her routine, the smitten Vanya asks to see her again away from the club’s restrictions, and Ani quickly agrees. The film then switches to Vanya’s plush mansion, where he pays Ani for a string of graphic sexual encounters. After their emotional bond deepens, Vanya offers her $15,000 to spend a week with him as his girlfriend, sparking an unexpected whirlwind romance.
AN UNCONVENTIONAL ROMANCE
From here, the film settles into a highlight reel of their whirlwind romance. A string of wild parties and days of fun and frivolity follow, and when coupled with her brimming bank account and being showered with clothes and gifts, Ani falls head over heels in love. However, when their fairytale love affair reaches its crescendo, it sparks a rollercoaster ride of chaos that threatens to derail their romance in its infancy. This turmoil escalates when Vanya’s furious wealthy parents fly to America, determined to confront him and halt their whirlwind love story. But can their mutually beneficial romance withstand the challenges they face? Will the star-crossed lovers be able to overcome the thugs determined to disrupt their happiness? Or is Vanya’s boyish charm merely a ruse to score points against his overbearing parents?
MAGICAL MADISON
As I said earlier, although the film loosely follows the traditional rom-com checklist, it swiftly distances itself from the tropes of the genre with its gratuitous sex and nudity. Sean Baker has made a career out of highlighting the struggles of the adult industry, and with Anora, he has conjured another platform to campaign for better working conditions. The message isn’t overpowering or out of place; although it does gain significance from Mikey Madison’s passionate advocacy for health insurance and pension benefits to her superiors. It’s a poignant message wrapped up in a whimsical adult Cinderella story, and it gains momentum thanks to the intoxicating performance of Mikey Madison.
Madison’s naturally bubbly personality radiates through the material, perfectly embodying Ani’s dreamy innocence while also acknowledging the realities of her chosen profession. Striking this delicate balance is no small feat, but somehow, Madison captures lightning in a bottle, delivering a captivating performance that has the potential to catapult her into stardom. In Anora, she truly shines and takes the lead in carrying the story on her capable shoulders, making it all look effortlessly smooth. This is a testament to her remarkable talent, and I can’t wait to see where her career will take her due to this outstanding performance.
VALIANT VANYA
Equally impressive is Mark Eydelshteyn, who delivers a captivating performance as Vanya. His youthful charm effortlessly shines through, making it nearly impossible to resist being drawn into his presence on screen. With chiseled good looks that evoke comparisons to Timothée Chalamet and a sense of childlike innocence, Eydelshteyn fully embraces the role, immersing himself completely in the character of Vanya. His chemistry with Madison is palpable, allowing viewers to instantly become invested in their love story. The strong bond between the characters is the main focus of the film. This connection makes the experience richer and keeps the audience engaged and entertained.
A FUNNY FAIRY TAIL
The film’s best qualities are the hilarious hijinks throughout its thrifty 139-minute running time. Given the hard-edged nature of the material, the film has no right to be as funny as it is. But Sean Baker’s punchy screenplay delivers a genuine triumph. At times, the wordplay is razor sharp, with Mikey Madison delivering her lines with equally sharp humor, and the punchline of many of these exchanges delivers one of the most humorous experiences I’ve had in a theater. The film’s soundtrack, composed by Matthew Hearon-Smith, beautifully complements its remarkable screenplay. Hearon-Smith has created an impeccable score that perfectly accompanies the visual storytelling, and when combined with some well-placed songs, it results in a truly captivating cinematic experience.
VERDICT
I had an absolute blast watching Sean Baker’s Anora. The film beautifully blends the magic of Pretty Woman and Cinderella, resulting in a truly unique twist on the rom-com genre. With its sharp screenplay and outstanding performances by Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn, it creates a winning combo that’s both infectious and highly enjoyable. With Madison’s captivating energy and sharp wit, Anora is a standout hit that is sure to win a ton of awards.
So, get ready to brush up on your Russian lingo because this film is absolutely worth every penny! Slip a few notes into Mikey Madison’s G-string and enjoy the show!
Anora brings the Russian calamity to cinemas on November 1st.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
