Written and directed by Sean Baker, Anora tells the story of Ani (Mikey Madison), a sex worker from Brooklyn who is looking for a way out. Things change though when Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn) arrives. The son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, Vanya has infinite time and cash to burn. Hiring Ani as his exclusive sexual dalliance, the two begin a whirlwind romance that is both charming and overwhelming. The two are entranced with one another, leading to an unexpected marriage. Though, once the news reaches Russia, Vanya’s parents are… less than pleased and they set out to New York to have the marriage annulled.
Though the set-up may feel like the basis of some (albeit R-rated) Disney fairy tale, Anora is anything but. This is a film that has gritted teeth underneath its charm and humour. We marvel at Ani’s ascension into the ‘suite life’ and celebrate her chance to live in the stunning beauty of the ultra-wealthy. However, when she finally seems to get the keys to the kingdom, Baker peels back the potential for a fairytale ending by showing a world where rich ogres are threatened by outsiders.
Baker uses Ani’s journey to explore the nature of human worth and who decides it. Ani knows that she matters. However, if enough people tell her that she’s worthless, wouldn’t anyone question themselves? The verbal abuse of others drives a disconnect within her heart as she begins to second guess herself.
But Baker never believes Ani to be anything but a true gem at heart. In Anora, we see the value in those that society deems unworthy of support and want her to experience healing herself. In doing so, he has woven a tale which reminds us what it means to ‘matter’ in a world that expects more from us all. Because of this, Anora becomes something truly special and, unequivocally, one of the best films of the year.
Anora is playing at TIFF ’24. For more information, click here.
