Sean Baker’s Anora left a lasting impact at the 2024 Fantastic Fest, quickly becoming a favorite among festival attendees, including myself. This 138-minute whirlwind of comedy, drama, and tension highlights Baker’s talent for bringing vibrant characters from society’s fringes into the spotlight. Anora demonstrates his ability to combine entertainment with emotional depth and social critique, all while staying true to his indie roots.
The film centers around Anora, a sex worker from Brooklyn played by the remarkable Madison, who breathes life into the character with both intensity and vulnerability. Anora is fiery, unapologetic, and determined to seize control of her destiny. Her unexpected marriage to Ivan, a careless and hedonistic son of a Russian oligarch (played by Mark Eydelshteyn), kicks off a chaotic journey that sends ripples across two continents. The whirlwind romance turns into a legal and familial nightmare when Ivan’s powerful parents discover the impromptu Vegas wedding and dispatch a fixer from Russia to have it annulled.
One of Baker’s great strengths lies in his ability to blend tension with humor; Anora is no exception. The film is packed with high-energy sequences, from impulsive partying in New York City to frenetic chases as Anora fights back against those sent to tear her life apart. Ivan’s retreat into gaming and drugs starkly contrasts Anora’s constant motion and resistance, giving the film a dynamic, unpredictable energy that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Baker’s film doesn’t simply rely on its screwball premise. While the storyline could easily have slipped into typical rom-com or action-drama tropes, Baker avoids such clichés. Instead, he allows the tension to build in the background, only unleashing moments of danger and chaos when necessary, which adds to the film’s electrifying feel. He also masterfully balances the freneticism of Anora’s world with deeply emotional moments, none more powerful than the final, beautifully crafted scene. This sequence, filled with longing and the ache for connection, is Baker at his best, blending heart and raw emotion.
Madison’s portrayal of Anora is bound to be a frontrunner for major awards. Her performance captures the complexities of a woman who refuses to be sidelined or victimized. Her chemistry with Eydelshteyn adds layers to their unconventional relationship, and the supporting cast, particularly Karren Karagulian as the family fixer and Yura Borisov as a menacing but nuanced enforcer, elevates the stakes with their memorable performances.
Baker’s signature style shines through in Anora, not just in how he builds his characters but also in the film’s visual aesthetic and pacing. Drawing from the vibrant, energetic filmmaking of the late ‘70s, the editing (also done by Baker) is tight, and the soundtrack perfectly matches the story’s wild yet heartfelt tone. The film feels like a nostalgic nod to a different era of cinema while remaining refreshingly original and modern in its storytelling.
One of my favorite films from Fantastic Fest 2024, Anora, is a ride that stays with viewers long after the credits roll. Baker’s keen empathy for his characters, sharp social observations, and unique ability to turn a seemingly simple story into something profound and thrilling make Anora a standout film of the year. Whether it’s through its explosive energy, emotionally resonant moments, or biting humor, Anora is a must-watch and a prime contender for awards season.