Anora is like After Hours and Uncut Gems mixed in with Hustlers. It’s an emotional, hilarious, and grim and intense all at once. Sean Baker’s latest masterpiece is an important work into the sex industry, as well as

Anora follows Ani, played with heartbreaking vulnerability by Mikey Madison, a sex worker whose life intersects with Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the sheltered and naive son of a Russian oligarch. Their improbable romance starts in the glittering haze of Las Vegas nightclubs and video game marathons but quickly faces the unforgiving realities of their disparate worlds.

The early chapters are a dreamlike exploration of youthful exuberance and rebellion, wrapped in the seductive allure of neon lights and pulsating music. The chemistry between Madison and Eydelshteyn is palpable, capturing the giddy highs of first love even as the story hints at the fragility of their bond. Baker crafts their romance with a tender authenticity, avoiding cliches while rooting their connection in shared moments of vulnerability and joy.

Mikey Madison delivers a career-defining performance as Ani. Her portrayal is a masterclass in nuance, balancing Ani’s resilience with her longing for a better life. Madison imbues the character with a quiet strength, making her struggles and triumphs deeply affecting. She’s the easy frontrunner for Best Actress and deserves insane amounts of praise. Opposite her, Mark Eydelshteyn brings an endearing mix of innocence and arrogance to Vanya, perfectly capturing the contradictions of privilege and immaturity. Together, they create a dynamic that feels refreshingly real, oscillating between humor, tension, and profound tenderness. Supporting performances, particularly Yuriy Borisov as Igor, one of Vanya’s family’s enforcers, add depth and complexity to the film. Borisov’s character, initially introduced as a comedic foil, evolves into a surprising moral anchor, highlighting Baker’s skill at defying audience expectations.

Drew Daniels’ cinematography is a standout aspect of Anora, transforming the film into a visual feast. The interplay of light and shadow mirrors the characters’ emotional journeys, from the dazzling brightness of their happiest moments to the muted tones of their struggles. The vibrant aesthetic is complemented by an impeccable soundtrack of pre-existing songs, which Baker uses to evoke nostalgia and heighten the emotional resonance of key scenes.

The film’s pacing, though brisk in the first two acts, slows in its final stretch, giving the audience time to reflect on the consequences of the characters’ choices. This deliberate shift underscores the emotional weight of the story, leaving a lingering impact that stays long after the credits roll.

What sets Anora apart is Baker’s refusal to shy away from uncomfortable truths. The film critiques power dynamics and class disparity without being didactic, showing how these forces shape the characters’ lives. Ani’s agency remains central to the narrative, a refreshing departure from stories that reduce women in her position to mere plot devices. Her decisions drive the story forward, ensuring that Anora is as much about her self-determination as it is about her relationship with Vanya.

The final act, while heart-wrenching, avoids melodrama, opting instead for a raw, honest depiction of the challenges Ani faces. This commitment to authenticity, a hallmark of Baker’s work, elevates Anora from a simple love story to a profound meditation on survival and sacrifice.

Anora is a film that demands to be experienced. It offers a window into lives often overlooked, challenging viewers to empathize with characters who defy societal norms. Baker’s ability to find beauty and humanity in the messiness of life makes this film a standout in his already impressive oeuvre.

Anora is a triumph of modern filmmaking, combining exquisite visuals, outstanding performances, and a deeply resonant story. It is both a celebration of love’s transformative power and a sobering reminder of the systemic barriers that often stand in its way. Sean Baker has crafted a masterpiece that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most impactful films of 2024.