Movie Number 1 of 2025
The Movie: Anora
The Cinema: The Rivoli, Village Cinemas, Camberwell
Stars: 4.5
After seeing Sean Baker's incredible The Florida Project I was keen to see Anora, yet another foray into his films which often go into the intricacies of the lives of sex workers. It was a good decision. Anora as a brilliant way to start 2025. Sharp, sassy, very funny in places and a very thought provoking, Anora is well worth a viewing. Saying this, if you're averse to nudity, sex and drugs, you might want to stay away. However, I loved this cracker of a film.
Anora is a film of three parts. In the first section we meet Ani (Mikey Madison) an exotic dancer from Brooklyn working in a New York gentleman's club where she dances for a living. Ani, legal name Anora, is selected by one of the bosses to service a young Russian V.I.P. Ivan (Mark Eydelshteynter) Ani was selected because she knew a bit of Russian. After taking some time to get to know each over a few days, the couple decide to take a trip to Las Vegas where the couple get married. This is a very sanitised version of events.
The second part consists of when the Ivan's handler gets wind of the situation. Garnik (Vache Tovmasyan) and his goon, Igor (Yura Borisov) under the direction of the family's business manager, Toros (Karren Karagulian) come to try and sort the matter out, only to have the family mansion trashed and Ivan running away from the hapless trio. From there the three of them and Ani go in search of Ivan, with some very funny results.
The third act of the film occurs when they find Vanya, the family turn up and the marriage is annulled.
I've only given a pocket synopsis of the film. To give any more would not do it justice. Let's just say this film is an unexpected treat with a group of unknown actors. You never know what is going to happen next. It is also hilarious in places, the comedy verging on slapstick as Toros, Ani, Garnik and Igor go on the hunt for Ivan. It's also very moving in other sections. One good thing is you know that Ani is a survivor, even if this mess has dented her a bit.
This is Mikey Madison's film. She's fantastic - I'd say Oscar nomination worthy in the role of the touchy, plucky, but ultimately sweet Ani.
The other unlikely standout is the hired goon, Igor, who is magnificent in this role. Igor says next to nothing, but his presence is felt more and more, and the film progresses. Yura Borisov is brilliant. He's worth the ticket price alone.
I really hope Sean Baker keeps making his movies. They are unlike anything else out there. Films of humour, wisdom and compassion, shining a light on an industry many would rather wish did not exist.
This comes highly recommended.
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