As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that Sean Baker has consistently proven himself as a master storyteller and visionary. The man behind “The Florida Project”, “Red Rocket” and now “Anora” is nothing short of extraordinary.
For several years, Sean Baker has been making a significant impact in independent cinema, leaving a lasting impression with films such as The Florida Project, Red Rocket, and Tangerine. Now, he is the mastermind behind Anora, a unique blend of romantic comedy and drama that has been receiving outstanding acclaim at film festivals this year. This is the first American movie to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes since 2011, and it’s easy to see why. Anora is an exhilarating cinematic experience meant for maximum audience engagement, creating a memorable event that is seldom found in contemporary films.
I love that Baker saw the girl who played psychopathic murderers getting set on fire by the heroes in both Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and the 2022 Scream movie and knew instantly that he needed to work with her. Mikey Madison is a movie star in the making. She’s the titular character, and her face is at the center of every marketing piece. Her performance here is a revelation. It’s fun to see how soft-spoken Madison is in real life because she brings so much New York City street to this role that feels masterful and authentic.
In a nutshell, the film features a character named Anora, portrayed by an actress, who is a sex worker who encounters a young Russian man named Ivan (played by Mark Eydelshteyn). After their initial transaction for her services, they embark on a passionate romance that culminates in a hasty Vegas wedding. However, trouble ensues when Ivan’s family learns about his unconventional spouse, prompting them to intervene and attempt to invalidate the marriage. I particularly enjoy movies that take a straightforward premise and push it to its limits. “Anora” is a lively, fast-paced film that delves into each character’s story while providing an exhilarating, chaotic journey during the latter half of the movie.
Anora and Ivan initially engage in a playful dynamic. The director skillfully handles their intimate scenes and screen presence, while the performers infuse remarkable physicality into their roles. Madison underwent extensive pole dancing training, exuding both sensuality and strength during her dance sequences. On the other hand, Eydelshteyn, often referred to as “the Russian Timothée Chalamet” by media, swiftly captures our sympathy. He possesses an amusingly frenetic energy and his body language significantly enhances every scene’s appeal.
In the first act, certain scenes brim with delight as you grow fond of these unique characters. Remarkably, the playwright manages an intriguing twist since not everyone might empathize with a Brooklyn sex worker or a wealthy individual beyond imagination, but their captivating performances make it hard to look away. Their vibrant personalities leap off the screen, offering a delightful contrast to Ivan’s exuberant immaturity and Anora’s sharp-tongued New York banter. As Ivan’s family enters the picture and threatens our blossoming couple, the movie takes an exhilarating turn. The majority of the film unfolds within a single chaotic day as the family attempts to annul the marriage, and events seem to spiral out of control in the most disastrous ways possible.
In a masterful manner, the director skillfully manages the pandemonium of the scene. The movie is filled with intense dialogues, as each character passionately voices their opinion amidst the noise. Remarkably, it’s never irritating and instead, creates an authentic feel for every moment. Many of the conversations seem spontaneous, particularly since our lead character is quite profane. There isn’t a single underwhelming performance in this ensemble cast, most of whom are relatively unknown. Each actor delivers their role with such conviction that they no longer appear as actors; instead, they become characters reacting to this unique situation. It’s almost surreal how easily one can forget they’re watching a scripted narrative, even amidst the sheer insanity.
One of Anora’s standout features lies in its unique tone. Scenes can be quite grim, particularly those involving our protagonist in peril or facing off against men. However, the movie masterfully balances this darkness with just the right amount of humor. At moments when the film veers towards the unsettling, it cleverly delivers a witty remark. Each comedic instance feels authentic to the situation and Anora’s reactions to the chaos are believable. The transitions between light and dark never feel abrupt, and the humor never undermines the tension, which is quite an intricate achievement.
In “Anora,” the movie never slows down; it’s packed with non-stop energy and absurdity. The plot twists keep coming, each one more mind-boggling than the last. However, despite its relentless pace, the film’s climax is what truly sets it apart. The intensity of the movie remains high for most of its duration, so when the final moments arrive, it feels surprisingly quiet. This quietness is deafening in “Anora,” as it provides a clearer, albeit ambiguous, glimpse into our protagonist’s psyche, tugging at your heartstrings. It’s a bittersweet ending that will leave you pondering its meaning long after the credits roll. If you’re seeking laughter and a thought-provoking finale, “Anora” is not to be missed.
SCORE: 9/10
According to ComingSoon’s review policy, a score of 9 means “Exceptional” or “Outstanding.” Such entertainment stands out as the best in its category, setting the bar high for all creators to aspire to achieve this level of excellence.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended the New York Film Festival for our Anora review.
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2024-10-19 00:40