Synopsis
Anora, a young prostitute from Brooklyn, impulsively meets and marries the son of an oligarch
When news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened when his parents travel to New York to have the marriage annulled. IMDb editor Arno Kazarian offers quick reviews of 12 films he screened at the 2024 New York Film Festival, including Anora and the dangerous and curiously erotic Mercy. At the Cannes Film Festival press conference, Mikey Madison said that director Sean Baker would perform different sexual positions with his wife, producer Samantha Quan, to demonstrate to the actors what he wanted them to do. Igor: PLEASE! ENOUGH!
Quoted in Close-Up: Anora (2024)
SCREAM! I just saw one of the best films of the year. The Athens film festival has begun its evenings, and we were lucky enough to see Anora at the opening ceremony. And let me tell you, this movie is absolutely amazing. From the first scene, you are glued to the screen and that feeling does not stop.
The lead actress, Mikey Madison, who plays Anora, is an absolute revelation
As the movie progressed, I kept thinking, “Come on, at some point it has to slow down, right? Give us a break.” Nope, no pauses, no dips, not even a hint of slowing down. Anora has one of the best pacings I have ever experienced in a movie. Anora, a prostitute and a tough girl from Brooklyn, meets the son of a Russian oligarch and, in a whirlwind of madness, marries him. But her fairytale quickly turns into a nightmare when news reaches Russia and her parents do everything they can to annul their marriage.
It’s the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time
She effortlessly combines sensuality, femininity, childlike innocence and toughness in a way that leaves you speechless. She will go very, very far, and don’t be surprised if you see her nominated for an Oscar. Personally, I’d also give a Best Supporting Actor nomination to Mark Eidelshtein, who plays the Russian son. Fantastic. Anora is a punch in the face to the traditional concept of a fairy tale.
It’s a realistic, violent, raw, funny, and ultimately sweet modern Cinderella story
Only, in the real world, no prince is coming to your rescue; you have to pick up the pieces and stand up for yourself. Check out the full lineup for the 62nd New York Film Festival this fall.