Anora
2024
****½
Director: Sean Baker
Cast: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, Aleksei Serebryakov, Darya Ekamasova, Samantha Quan, Alex Coco, Drew Daniels
Anora, a young sex worker from Brooklyn, is charmed by Vanja, the son of a Russian oligarch, and his opulent lifestyle. When his powerful family learns of their relationship, her Cinderella story takes a harsh turn toward reality. Sean Baker's excellent film offers a unique mix of laughs, terror, decadence, and both outrageous and tender moments. Anora's story is long but it goes by in a flash. Mikey Madison's terrifically gutsy lead performance earned her an Academy Award. Sean Baker broke the record by winning four for producing, directing, writing, and editing.
