Anora

"Entertaining as hell, yet lands an emotional gut punch at the end. It’s a genre-bending wild ride that gives you rom-com, buddy action comedy, and subdued drama that examines how sex workers are perceived. Mikey Madison is a STAR!"

"Unpopular opinion here I know but how on earth did this movie win an Oscar? When compared to all the other grand nominated movies, I am truly surprised. "

"This is a fantastic film! It essentially plays like a modern day version of Cinderella only to unexpectedly hit a hard dose of reality. I was especially struck by the level of empathy and compassion displayed to all of the characters (especially the main title character). Incredible screenplay and directing complemented by incredible performances. Mikey Madison is nothing short of phenomenal in the lead role, and does an incredible job of making you sympathize a lot for her over the course of the film (I wouldn’t mind seeing her win the Best Actress Oscar for this, which would be very deserving). Also complementing her performance include the likes of Mark Eidelstein, Darya Ekamasova (incredible with limited screen time), Yura Borisov among others. I can totally see why the film is so acclaimed, and it deserves all accolades coming its way. Highly recommended. P. S.: Given that this is the first Sean Baker film I’ve ever seen, this is an incredible introduction to his work, and I can’t wait to dive more into his works (especially THE FLORIDA PROJECT)."

"It was cool. A bit below my expectations (3.8/5). I most of all enjoyed the understated performance by Yura Borisov “Igor” whose character was a nice vacation from the endless yelling and talking over one another by all the other characters. If that film was noticed by the academy, he def deserves the nom. "

"Intense, beautiful, funny, sad, and very moving. A perfect cinematic experience."

"This beautiful movie has it all, it has your emotions all over. It really becomes funny out of no where and then it’s sad. Worth the watch definitely. ✌️"

"Another solid entry in Sean Baker's filmography. This is like Pretty Woman meets The Big Lebowski. The acting was super stellar, especially from Mikey Madison. The cinematography was also really great. I really loved the use of handheld in certain scenes. It felt like I was watching a documentary about the life of a sex worker. My only gripe is that the story took a while to get going, but once it gets going, it's a really fun ride. This may not be for the casual viewer, but if you are a Sean Baker fan, this one is for you! "

"Anora, directed by Sean Baker, is a dynamic blend of romantic comedy and high-stakes drama that captivates audiences with its unique storytelling and compelling performances. The film follows Ani Mikheeva (Mikey Madison), a 23-year-old stripper from Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, who becomes entangled with Ivan "Vanya" Zakharov (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch. Their whirlwind romance leads to an impulsive Las Vegas marriage, setting off a chain of events that intertwine love, power, and cultural clashes. Mikey Madison delivers a standout performance as Ani, embodying a character who is both resilient and vulnerable. Her portrayal brings depth to Ani's journey, making her struggles and triumphs resonate with the audience. Mark Eydelshteyn's Vanya complements Madison's performance, capturing the naivety and recklessness of a privileged young man rebelling against his family's expectations. The film's setting in the Russian-American community of Brighton Beach adds a rich cultural backdrop, immersing viewers in a world seldom explored on screen. Baker's direction shines in the film's tonal shifts—from the exuberance of new love to the tension of a high-stress thriller. A particularly notable sequence is the real-time home invasion, which is both darkly humorous and meticulously choreographed, showcasing Baker's skill in balancing comedy and suspense. Anora has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and receiving multiple award nominations, including for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. Critics have praised its blend of humor, poignancy, and social commentary, though some note that its ambitious narrative occasionally falters under the weight of its complexities. Anora is a provocative exploration of love, power, and class, elevated by stellar performances and Sean Baker's adept direction. It stands out as one of the most memorable films of 2024, offering a cinematic experience that is thought-provoking."

"Very sad, but I’m so glad she ended up with Igor "

"This movie is so compelling. It perfectly depicts the wild and fast love in your early 20’s. The high highs of life, love and freedom coupled with sobering realities and hard lessons learned. This movie felt very coming of age for me and is the most realistic rom-com I think I’ve ever seen. This one will live rent free in my brain for a while."