When hearing about one of the most acclaimed yet not widely-seen the movies of the year, you might ask what or who is Anora? It is the full name of the lead character played by Mikey Madison, who prefers to go by the nickname Ani.
It’s an impressive breakout role for the actress, already resulting in a slew of awards nominations – and likely wins.
It’s also the latest and most accessible film for director Sean Baker, previously known for indie favorites Red Rocket, The Florida Project and Tangerine.
Ani is a stripper and lap dancer at a gentleman’s club in midtown Manhattan, good at her job and bringing in lots of cash. But her true loss of innocence comes during her hot and heavy affair with the rich young scion of a Russian oligarch, Vanya, charmingly (at first) portrayed by Mark Eydelshteyn.
This is a film that doesn’t shy away from pretty graphic sex, told from the male gaze, which means it focuses probably too much time on Ani’s G-stringed bottom, shot gratuitously from different angles.
It’s the story that’s unique, taking a new spin on overzealous parents with unlimited funds who don’t approve of their child’s choice of partner, especially after they hear of a private jet trip for a quickie Vegas wedding.
Embarking their own private jet from Moscow to New York, what ensues is a wildly entertaining and at times comedic romp through Brighton Beach, New York and Las Vegas.
Ani thinks she’s now solved the problem of financial insecurity about the future, while Vanya is often too high to think clearly about much of anything except their next romp between the sheets or a night on the town with his buddies.
Even a local minder and some minions employed by his parents doesn’t hinder his hard partying.
You can see the end of the road for this guy. What you won’t predict is the surprisingly moving ending, one that cements this tale as a story for the ages.
