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| Source: IMDB |
“This is a never-ending nightmare…”
The most hectic, genuine, raw drama released this year, Anora captivates with a signature blend of no-strings-attached, madcap humor and memorable writing, all while being an encapsulating character study that never holds back in realism.
Immediately, the unorthodox nature of the story becomes apparent, as genuine and appalling boldness seeps from the first high-tempo frame. Sean Baker injects vitality and quirks into his working-class characters, making their individuality feel important in a world that far outweighs their own. By placing them in unimaginable conflicts, their thoughts and feelings manage to become notable and realistic. While unpredictable structurally, there’s never a dull moment in this, as relationships and non-contrived behaviors make up for the lack of foresight. Managing to keep viewers engaged, this cluster of epic proportions eventually metamorphoses into something emotionally deeper that ensues an end far, far different from anyone’s expectations.
Mikey Madison delivers the most stunning performance of the year as feisty Brooklyn stripper Anora. While her motives are understandable, she injects the character with a certain “suave” charm that makes her ever so likable at first, then swaps that for lavish contemptuous, until conflict makes her more emotionally vulnerable. Mikey’s adaptability is what makes the heart and soul of this film beat so swiftly, transforming from oneself to another within seconds. As the film progresses, she also expresses a certain level of deniability through her belief that her self-made “Cinderella story” can last for a millennium simply by talking to the right people.
Needless to say, Ivan, played by Mark Eidelstein, lacks backbone and ensures doom from the start. His no-consequence Russian playboy lifestyle turns into cowardly panic when his superiors find out what’s up. Immature, unemphatic, and flamboyant, he provides a good contrast to other characters, with his spoiled nature having consequences for everyone involved.
Without a doubt, the best supporting character in this has to be Yura Borisov’s Igor. Initially perceived as a dumb lackey archetype, he quickly becomes a key figure, serving as the awkward yet relatable gentleman for most of the 2nd and 3rd acts. More solemn and ordinary than our main cast, he provides a down-to-earth touch to the film that manages to calm down the frenetic nature of the latter half, even if only temporarily.
Overall, Anora is a legitimate, insane, and fearless tour-de-force that excels through realistic archetypes, by being a hilarious dramedy that only expands in scale with each passing scene and Oscar-worthy performances.
My Rating: 8.5/10 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
Now playing in theaters nationwide!
A NEON RELEASE
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