Anora (2024) Movie: Mikey Madison’s Breakout Performance That’s Got Everyone Talking

Sean Baker’s Anora brings us one of 2024’s most compelling cinematic experiences. The film blends raw social commentary with heartfelt drama in a way that feels both fresh and achingly authentic. Mikey stars as Anora Ani Mikheeva, a stripper from New York who marries the wealthy son of a Russian oligarch played by Mark Eydelshteyn. The supporting cast includes Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache, Darya, and Aleksei.

This comedy-drama-romance hybrid showcases Baker’s signature style of exploring characters living on society’s margins while delivering a story that’s both accessible and profoundly moving. The film represents a significant achievement for Baker, who has built his reputation on intimate character studies that illuminate the struggles of working-class Americans. With its star-studded cast and Baker’s meticulous direction, Anora promises to be a defining film of 2024.

Plot and Storyline

The story follows a young stripper from Brooklyn who meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled. What begins as a whirlwind romance quickly transforms into a high-stakes drama about love, money, and the brutal realities of class differences.

The narrative structure skillfully balances moments of genuine romance with increasingly tense confrontations. Anora, a sex worker and tough girl from Brooklyn, meets the son of a Russian oligarch and, in a whirlwind of madness, marries him. But her fairytale quickly turns into a nightmare when the news reaches Russia.

Baker crafts a story that feels both intimate and epic, grounding larger themes about wealth inequality and immigration in deeply personal relationships. The film’s pacing builds from lighthearted romantic comedy to intense drama, with each act revealing new layers of complexity. The Vegas wedding sequence serves as the film’s emotional centerpiece, representing both the peak of Ani’s dreams and the beginning of her harsh awakening.

Cast Performance

Mikey Madison delivers what can only be described as a career-defining performance as Anora. Her portrayal balances toughness with vulnerability, creating a character who feels authentic rather than stereotypical. Madison brings depth to every scene, making Ani’s journey from hopeful romantic to disillusioned survivor both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Mark Eydelshteyn provides strong support as Vanya, the Russian oligarch’s son. He manages to make his character both charming and frustrating. His chemistry with Madison feels genuine, making their whirlwind romance believable despite its improbable circumstances.

The supporting cast creates a rich world that brings authenticity to every interaction. The performances feel naturalistic rather than theatrical, with Baker’s direction allowing the actors to find moments of genuine emotion even in the film’s more outrageous situations.

Direction and Cinematography

Sean Baker continues to demonstrate his mastery of character-driven storytelling. He brings the same attention to detail and emotional authenticity that made his previous films so compelling. The film masterfully blends sharp social commentary with heartfelt drama, painting a vivid picture of love, identity, and unexpected consequences.

His direction maintains perfect balance between comedy and drama, never allowing either element to overwhelm the other. The cinematography captures both the glamour of Ani’s brief moment in paradise and the gritty reality of her everyday life in Brooklyn.

Baker’s visual style remains grounded and realistic, using handheld cameras and natural lighting to create an intimate viewing experience. The film’s technical aspects work together to create a cohesive vision that supports the narrative without calling attention to itself.

What I Liked

The film’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to judge its characters. Instead, it presents them as complex individuals dealing with impossible circumstances. Baker’s script avoids easy answers or neat resolutions, offering a nuanced exploration of how economic inequality affects personal relationships.

The dialogue feels natural and unforced, with characters speaking in ways that feel authentic to their backgrounds. The film’s humor emerges organically from character interactions rather than forced comedic situations. I found myself genuinely invested in Ani’s journey, rooting for her even when her choices seemed questionable.

Anora is both thrilling and heartbreaking. But rest assured, no one you’ll come to care about in this miracle of a film will be left without a trace of hope. This emotional complexity represents the film’s greatest achievement, creating a viewing experience that resonates long after the credits roll.

Areas for Improvement

While Anora succeeds in most areas, I found the film’s pacing uneven, particularly in the middle section where the focus shifts from romance to family conflict. Certain scenes feel slightly extended, potentially testing audience patience during what should be the film’s most intense moments.

The film’s runtime, while appropriate for its ambitious scope, occasionally feels indulgent. Some subplots could have been trimmed without losing the story’s emotional impact. More concise writing in confrontational scenes might have increased their emotional impact.

Additionally, while the film’s authentic dialogue is generally a strength, some exchanges feel repetitive, particularly during family confrontations. This occasionally disrupts the otherwise smooth narrative flow.

Critical Reception and Reviews

On Rotten Tomatoes, 93% of 336 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.5/10. The film has received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising Madison’s performance and Baker’s direction. Many critics have called it possibly the best movie of 2024.

The Los Angeles Film Critics Association awarded Anora three prizes, including Best Lead Performance, Best Supporting Performance, and Best Picture. The film’s success at prestigious film festivals suggests strong awards season potential.

However, some critics have noted concerns about the film’s pacing and runtime. Despite these minor criticisms, the overwhelming consensus celebrates the film as a significant achievement in contemporary cinema.

Public Reception

Audiences have responded positively to Anora, with many praising its authentic portrayal of working-class struggles and cross-cultural relationships. The film currently holds a 7.5 rating on IMDb, reflecting solid audience appreciation for its complex characters and emotional depth.

Social media responses have highlighted the film’s emotional impact, with many viewers sharing how the story resonated with their own experiences. The film’s refusal to provide easy answers has sparked thoughtful discussions about class, immigration, and the American dream.

Some audience members have noted the film’s challenging subject matter and intense emotional moments. However, those who appreciate character-driven dramas have found Anora to be a rewarding and memorable experience.

Final Verdict

Anora stands as a remarkable achievement in contemporary cinema, combining stellar performances with thoughtful social commentary. Sean Baker has crafted a film that respects its characters while honestly exploring the complex realities of modern American life. While minor pacing issues prevent it from reaching absolute perfection, the film’s emotional authenticity and powerful performances make it essential viewing for anyone interested in meaningful cinema.

Rating: 4.5/5