If you’re looking for a traditional Cinderella story where a young girl finds her prince charming and lives happily ever after, then “Anora” is not the story for you. The critically-acclaimed film “Anora” took home best picture and four other Oscars at the Academy Awards on Mar. 2.
I started watching “Anora” knowing nothing about it, but I quickly realized it was not the cheesy, heartfelt rom-com story I was expecting. Instead, it presents a modern-day take on the classic Cinderella plot.
Anora, also known as Ani, is played by Mikey Madison. She comes from an underprivileged background and works as a stripper. In contrast, her new husband Ivan (played by Mark Eydelshteyn), whom she impulsively married after a quick trip to Las Vegas, is the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. She finds her “happily ever after” with him, but things take a dramatic turn once his family back in Russia finds out about Ivan’s impulsive marriage to a sex worker.
What stands out in this film is the raw, intense interactions between the actors. Their constant arguing and curse-littered dialogue create a dynamic rarely seen in movies today. The range of emotions the actors display is impressive, varying from soft and emotional to obnoxiously loud and crazy.
Mikey Madison’s performance was particularly remarkable. Her portrayal of Anora’s bold personality, interlaced with the intense emotions of love and betrayal, provides a captivating performance. Madison won the Oscar for Best Leading Actress, which was truly well deserved.
As Madison’s emotional and uniquely compelling performance demonstrates, “Anora” is not your traditional Hollywood movie: it’s more unpredictable and edgy. When I first started the film, I was shocked by the numerous scenes of drug and alcohol use. The entirety of the first act is heavy in drinking, partying and constant smoking. As the camera casually panned over the characters engaging in these behaviors, it felt as though Director Sean Baker was demonstrating the heavy, constant presence of drugs in many people’s lives.
Baker’s use of constant partying allowed viewers to glimpse the juxtaposition of the drastically different lives of Anora and Ivan.
I was taken aback by the quantity of yelling and arguing throughout the film, although it did make me savor the few moments of quiet. I often had to turn down the volume since the film’s intensity became overwhelming at times.
“Anora” is rated R, which is appropriate given the movie’s graphic nudity and occasionally violent nature.
The casting was exceptionally done, and the chemistry between each character was palpable. What I loved most was the distinct role and presence each character brought to the screen. Every interaction between the characters was captivating in its own way, making the film feel cohesive despite its chaos.
This movie is an emotional journey that explores trust, family values and character growth, contrasting those who learn from life’s lessons and those who don’t quite get there.
While Anora isn’t my cup of tea, that doesn’t mean it won’t be yours. I would recommend this movie to those who enjoy emotional rollercoasters, intense manhunts, party scenes and solid character development. The ending is definitely worth watching, and is what makes it into a movie worth all its awards.
Rating this movie out of 10, I would give it a solid six. I’m more into feel-good movies, but “Anora” serves as a reminder that not all stories have a perfect ending. “Anora” sheds light on important topics such as addiction, love and loss, and there are many important lessons to take away from it.
