February 16, 2025

ANORA (2024) – Top notch comedy to end the year

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

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The plot of Anora may not be entirely unfamiliar. It tells the story of a prostitute who falls in love with a wealthy young billionaire, only to have her hopes of a happily ever after shattered by unexpected objections from the young man’s family. What distinguishes Anora from similar narratives is the manner in which the story unfolds. Like Ani (as Anora prefers to be called), the audience is left bewildered by the unexpected turn of events.

Much of the credit is due to the film’s writer-director Sean Baker, who demonstrates an exceptional talent for crafting a script that is both vibrant and humorous without being overly contrived. The depiction of a sex worker’s life is not new territory for Baker, as his previous film, Red Rocket, centered on a washed-up porn star. With Anora, Baker tackles a project on a much larger scale. The humor emerges organically, enhancing its effectiveness.

Baker also employs an unconventional approach by forgoing a traditional musical score, opting instead for diegetic music that naturally occurs within the scenes. This method lends an additional layer of authenticity to the film and makes the viewing experience more immersive.

Baker’s choice of a cast composed of relatively unknown actors works to the film’s advantage. Mikey Madison delivers an outstanding performance as Anora. She conveys a certain sweetness and innocence through her facial expressions, yet her character possesses a complexity that belies this initial impression. The early scenes depicting her life as a sex worker are portrayed with such realism that they border on voyeurism. Her relationship with the affluent young client from Russia blooms into a fairy tale romance that every girl dreams of, evoking a sense of happiness for her. However, given that this is a film, the audience anticipates that the relationship will inevitably encounter significant obstacles. The unpredictability of these events renders the film particularly captivating.

Anora is surrounded by a cast of intriguing supporting characters, each with unique and distinctive personalities. Among the most surprising are the gangsters who pose a threat to Anora and her boyfriend. Although they initially appear as unapproachable brutes, their characters are soon revealed to be bumbling and somewhat endearing, adding to the film’s subtle humor and compassionate tone. The authenticity of their dialogues further enhances the comedic effect.

Anora is a refreshing comedy that exudes energy and warmth, offering its audience a delightful experience. It serves as a wonderful conclusion to the year, encouraging us to reflect on a year of exceptional films and anticipate more outstanding productions in the coming year.

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