'Anora' TIFF review: Mikey Madison stuns in one of years best
Courtesy of NEON/Toronto Film Festival
Writer-director Sean Baker is known for giving emerging actors the chance to shine in their own projects or, as seen with “Red Rocket,” to reinvent themselves. His latest film, “Anora,” is another testament to his talent for discovering new stars. Mikey Madison, known for her roles in “Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood” and the 2022 “Scream” reboot, delivers an outstanding performance as Ani, aka Anora—a tough New York sex worker who becomes entangled with Russian mobsters. While not a love story per se, comparisons to “Pretty Woman” are inevitable, albeit with a Gen-Z twist. This comparison is meant as a compliment, as Baker has crafted a tale of loyalty and heartbreak that resonates on a deeper level than the Julia Roberts classic, with Madison emerging as an actress to watch.
The story is full of comedic twists and turns, following Ani’s relationship with a Russian high roller named Vanya (played memorably by Mark Eydelshteyn). Vanya stumbles into the strip club where Ani works, seeking someone who can speak Russian. Ani, who has an Uzbek background, takes on the challenge, and the two form an immediate bond. Vanya, ostensibly studying in the US, is actually squandering his father's money and offers Ani a substantial sum to be his exclusive girlfriend while they party in Las Vegas for a week. As Vanya becomes infatuated with Ani’s fierce attitude and sexual allure, he proposes.
Ani, somewhat naïve, believes the marriage is genuine and hopes it will lead to a luxurious new life. However, when Vanya’s father, a Russian oligarch, learns of the elopement, he sends a trio of goons to arrange a quick annulment, leading to chaos.
Although it’s clear to the audience that the 21-year-old Vanya might not be the most suitable or mature husband, Ani clings to the hope that the marriage is real—or at least wants the official document to believe in it. She fantasizes that Vanya’s parents might eventually accept her.
Watching Ani and Vanya’s relationship unfold is akin to witnessing a meteor on a collision course with Earth, and Baker expertly finds both humor and humanity in this dynamic. Ani remains resolute about her engagement and her vision for the future, despite the signs suggesting otherwise. This tension reaches its peak in a memorable sequence halfway through the film, blending classic comic mischief with unsettling tension and a few broken bones.
Throughout the film, Ani embarks on a frantic quest not only to get answers from Vanya after he abandons her with his henchmen but also to understand her own self-worth. The film culminates in one of the year’s most gut-wrenching final shots, highlighting her relentless need to pay—whether physically or financially—for her happiness. Baker continues his impressive run as a director and elevates Madison’s career, making “Anora” one of the year's standout achievements.
Grade: A
ANORA played at the Toronto International Film Festival. Neon will release the film in theaters starting in October.
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