Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for “Anora.”
When I walked into the theaters to watch “Anora,” I honestly had no clue what I was in for. I did not look at the plot, the themes or even the movie runtime. Instead, I went in with rave reviews from my harshest film friends, a bag of over-buttered popcorn and some old-fashioned faith. Two hours and 20 minutes later, I left the theater with a new front-runner for Best Picture at the Oscars.
On the surface, the film's story seems to be "Cinderella" mixed with fake dating fanfiction, but it is clear it is so much more. “Anora” follows Ani, played by Mikey Madison, a young sex worker in New York who meets Ivan, nicknamed Vanya, played by Mark Eydelshteyn, a young Russian man from a wealthy family. Vanya quickly falls for Ani, and throughout several ‘dates’ and a weeklong ‘trial relationship,’ the two soon become close. By halfway through the film, the two are married; however, all goes to hell when Vanya abandons Ani in the face of his parents’ anger. Ani is hit with the reality that some men are simply not what they seem, and the ideal life may not be within reach.
The film's writing is snapping and full of wit, brought to life by each character. The inclusion of Toros, played by Karren Karagulian; Igor, played by Yura Borisov; and Garnick, played by Vache Tovmasyan, as Vanya’s glorified babysitters makes the ride all the more exciting.
Vanya is the complete embodiment of a man-child. Despite being 21 years old and presumably from one of the wealthiest families in Russia, he spends his time drinking and snorting lines, yelling at video games and acting out against his parents. At the start, his goofy nature is charismatic, and I quickly fell in love with his boyish attitude. However, by the end, it’s clear he is no man in love; he is a boy using his power and immaturity to do as he pleases, regardless of how his actions affect others.
Ani herself is a fully fleshed character, underestimated and unappreciated by those around her. Not only is she a strong and beautiful dancer, but she’s also witty and packs a strong punch. Despite the circumstances, she manages to hold her own in front of men twice her size. And yet, at the end of the day, she’s simply a girl who has been screwed over by a man.
“Anora” is a rollercoaster of emotions. Much like Vanya’s youthful parties, the film is a rush, but as the night nears the end, you cannot help but realize that the next morning will be bleak. As the story finally comes back to the ground, all that can be heard is the storm raging outside, barely covered by Ani’s gut-wrenching sobs.
Many people, including myself, go to the movies to escape the reality of life. “Anora,” in the best way possible, is a film full of reality. This film is what real life would be as a movie, and in its captivating, powerful and overwhelming glory, “Anora” is a must-watch.
“Anora” (2024) is now playing in theaters.
