With a standout awards-worthy performance from Mikey Madison, Sean Baker’s Anora examines the highs and lows of falling in love.
About Anora
Synopsis: While working one day, Anora (Mikey Madison), an exotic dancer, meets and falls for Ivan (Mark Eidensteltin), the son of a Russian oligarch. So much so, the two decide to get married in Vegas. All of which comes to a head, when after finding out, the engaged Vanya’s parents demand an annulment.
Two Sides of the Same Story
When it comes to Anora, writer-director Sean Baker craft a fairy tale turned comedy of errors. Baker writes the characters and their situations with empathy and sincerity. Through this, we see two halfs of the same story. But also, it’s from the same lens, which Ani (or Anora)’s lens. Cinematographer Drew Daniels displays this duality between both halfs by having the first half be glossy, vibrant, and filled with neon colors.
Meanwhile, the second half is shot with a straight coldness. Like a glass of cold water. Or if your taking in the brisk winter cold. That briskness goes through the celluloid of the screen and into the body. Daniels shoots this all through 35mm lens, giving the film a rare cinematic look. In turn, the cinematography shows off Stephanie Phelps’ production design. Phelps brings out the duality with a limited number of sets. Most of which feels realistic (and probably shot on location).
Music, Costumes, & Locations
Additionally, costume designer Jocelyn Pierce gives us a range of costumes. Particularly in the fairy tale section, where the glossiness of Daniels’ cinematography makes the costumes shine. But in the second half, the costumes become more of an afterthought. It also gives the film a sense of authenticity. Along with this, music supervisor Matthew Hearon-Smith complies a group of needle-drops ranging from rap, EDM (electronic dance music), and pop songs. All of the songs deepen the world of the film. As well as bask into the fairy tale nature of the story.
Finally, when it comes to the editing, Baker (who also serves as editor) never lets up for either half of the film. Running at two hours and nineteen minutes, Baker edits the film precisely. Mainly focusing in on character, plot, and surprisingly enough, humor. Thus, giving us a wild and chaotic ride. One that never lets go of its momentum from beginning to end. However, it’s only drawback, is that the film runs a bit slow during its third act. While this doesn’t ruin the momentum, it does messes with it.
Performances in Anora
Leading the charge is Mikey Madison as the titular character. As Anora (or Ani as she likes to call herself throughout the film), Madison displays a ton of range. Whether it’d be humor, drama, or emotion, Madison displays it expertly, Madison also manages to display what it’s like to fall in love realisticially. Both the highs and lows of it. As a result, Madison makes Anora a fully realised three-dimensional character. One with needs and goals. As well as a person that you could meet in real life. Thus, becoming a standout and delivering an awards-worthy performance.
For the rest of the cast, we have Mark Eidelshetin, who shines as Ivan, a Russian playboy. Eidenshetin exhibits great chemistry with Madison’s Anora. Particularly in the first half, where the fairy tale section is present. In the second half, we see Eidenshetin most succeed in showing a different side to his character. The same can be said for Karren Karaguilan. Karaguilan, provides great comedic relief as Toros, Ivan’s handler.
However, as the film continues, we start to witness a different side of Toros. For which, Karaguilan plays off very well. Finally, there’s Yuri Borisov, who plays the bodyguard Igor with a sense of comedic relief. But, Borisov also brings out some interesting chemistry with Madison. Subsequently, this chemistry permeates most of the second half of the film. It also gives an aside and a contrast to the relationship between Madison’s Anora and Eidenshetin’s Ivan.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Anora, Baker and company craft a fairy tale gone wrong. One that starts off colourful, glossy, and vibrant. But, then turns into a grey comedy of errors. All the while, managing to keep up its momentum from beginning to end. This is complete with Madison leading the cast with an award-worthy performance. Still, Anora is a fairy tale that examines the highs and lows of falling in love. Just with a touch of humor to boot.
