Anora review: The delayed release of Anora presents an intriguing instance of censorship intertwined with Sean Baker's charming yet poignant screwball tragicomedy. Initially slated for a theatrical debut last November, this Oscar-winning film is now available directly on a streaming platform, unedited. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding its postponement, Anora remains an essential viewing experience.

The premise

Mikey Madison portrays the 23-year-old protagonist, an exotic dancer from Brighton Beach who prefers to be called Ani. The opening scenes depict her as a self-assured woman confidently navigating a Manhattan strip club, skillfully engaging with her male clientele in a strictly transactional manner.

This seemingly routine existence is disrupted when she encounters Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), who requests a dancer fluent in Russian. Ani's proficiency in the language is adequate, and an immediate flirtation ignites between them. It is soon revealed that he is the son of a Russian oligarch. Before long, he invites her to his mansion for a New Year's celebration, takes her to Los Angeles for a week under a $15,000 arrangement, and proposes marriage.

The fairytale ends soon

Baker captures this sequence with remarkable energy, portraying Ani's wide-eyed amazement from a distance. However, her fairytale-like experience is short-lived, as news of the impending marriage reaches Ivan's parents. They instruct their associate Toros (Karren Karagulian) to intervene, leading him to enlist Garnick (Vache Tovmasyan) and Igor (a standout performance by Yura Borisov) to resolve the situation promptly.

This culminates in a hilariously chaotic sequence where Ani is left to manage the two men. She resorts to punching, biting, shouting, and kicking her way through these clumsy individuals who are bewildered by the unfolding events. Baker skillfully subverts the stereotype of the ‘tough guys,’ portraying them as relatable individuals simply trying to perform their duties without risking their jobs. As Ani witnesses her fairytale unravel, she clings to the belief that her marriage cannot be annulled. She now has the responsibility of assisting the men in locating Vanya. From this point onward, Anora transitions into a frenzied, chaotic narrative that shifts from panic to a stark confrontation with reality.

Mikey Madison is breathtaking

Mikey Madison delivers a stunning performance. Anora ultimately explores themes of class and privilege, depicting an unlikely group of individuals who are constantly reminded of their powerlessness in the presence of the wealthy. Ani's realization is particularly poignant, as she faces humiliation from those around her, treated as a mere transaction to be concealed in public. Baker masterfully navigates the film's tone, oscillating between profound sadness and uproarious humor. Only Igor recognizes Ani as a person, a young woman whose aspirations are shattered in a matter of days. Russian actor Yura Borisov, with his captivating presence and expressive silences, commands attention in every scene he occupies.

The film's final emotional impact lies in Sean Baker's choice to hint at the characters' futures beyond the film's conclusion. This moment is filled with emotional resonance and unexpected honesty, brought to life by Mikey Madison's remarkable performance. Baker provides her with a role of a lifetime, which she approaches with remarkable depth and subtlety. Ani is portrayed as a woman who believes in the happy ending she deserves, until the realization dawns that such a dream may not materialize. Her hard-won resilience embodies the essence of Anora, as viewers find themselves rooting for her at every turn. Anora stands as a masterful and electrifying cinematic achievement, prompting audiences to view the world with renewed kindness and compassion.

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