ANORA
Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, Yura Borisov, and Luna Sofia Miranda
Director: Sean Baker
QUENTIN
Director Simon Baker’s Anora is easily his most accessible, commercial, and polished film to date. It’s also his best, electric with chaotic energy that rarely abates as it sprints through a sex- and laugh-filled comedy of errors. At the center of the whirlwind is Mikey Madison, who gives a star-making performance that is funny, fierce, empowering, and ultimately heartbreaking. If you can imagine Pretty Woman mixed with Uncut Gems, then you’ve got a pretty good idea of what to expect. It’s worthy of any and all awards consideration it’s surely to garner.
ADRIANO
To say writer/director Sean Baker has upped his game would be an understatement. Anora is a laugh-out-loud comedy, a non-judgmental look at the lives of sex workers, an absolute off-the-walls thriller, and a tragic exploration of class and the ways people are struggling to make it by. In many ways, Anora does it all, especially considering the fantastic ensemble, led by a magnum opus performance from Mikey Madison. It made me laugh hysterically. It made me grip my seat. It made my jaw drop. It broke my heart. It’s a one-of-a-kind, entertaining joyride that is Baker's masterpiece.
NICK
I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting Anora to be, but it certainly wasn't what I got. Director Sean Baker offers up a film a lot more zany than I'd assumed going in, and it works in the film’s favour. Mikey Madison (Ani) is bound to receive overwhelming critical acclaim for her lead performance, but it's the way Baker surrounds her with rich side characters that really fills out the story. There is a bit of a pacing issue in the middle that slows momentum, but the final 20 minutes (including a poignant closing shot) refreshes any good will that was lost.
PAIGE
Sean Baker’s distinct slice-of-life storytelling style never ceases to amaze me. His latest slice, Anora, is a shining example of a fairytale hit hard by reality. Baker masterfully directs the pandemonium that ensues from one trying to capture the American dream. Even though I longed for more character depth, Mikey Madison (Ani) is a formidable force that delivers a star-making performance. In addition to that, the rest of the ensemble plays off each other incredibly well. And while there are many laughs to be had throughout this stunning firecracker of a film, the movie’s ending will undoubtedly bring you to your knees.
AMARÚ
It took some time for Anora to get going. Not that it’s bad, but being more observational than plot-driven to start, I wasn’t as invested in the day-to-day happenings. But Mikey Madison is excellent as the title character, and her charm kept me intrigued as to where the film was headed. So when shit hit the fan, I appreciated the deep setup writer/director Sean Baker provided for the ensuing chaos. Chaos that was a bit repetitive and long-winded, but was held together by an honest script and hilarious supporting characters, especially Yura Borisov, whose underplayed sincerity shines amongst the crazy.
This film was reviewed by Quentin, Nick, and Adriano as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, respectively.