Anora: A new indie gem capturing hearts
A fresh take on a classic tale
Sean Baker, known for his impactful indie films like The Florida Project and Red Rocket, has once again captivated audiences with his latest project, Anora. This film reimagines the beloved Pretty Woman, swapping out Richard Gere’s suave corporate raider for Mark Eydelshteyn’s wild son of a Russian oligarch. The result is Baker’s most accessible film to date, and it’s already making waves in the film industry.
A breakout performance
Mikey Madison’s portrayal of Anora, a less glamorous sex worker, has been hailed as the breakout performance of the year. Following its Palme d’Or win at Cannes, Anora made its U.S. debut at the Telluride Film Festival, where it played to sold-out crowds. The film’s screenings were so popular that approximately 200 people were turned away at each showing, making it one of the festival’s hottest tickets alongside Saturday Night and Emilia Perez.
A story of love and turmoil
The film follows Anora (Madison), a sex worker from Brooklyn who marries a wealthy Russian heir (Eydelshteyn). This impulsive union enrages his shadowy businessman father and his even more terrifying mother, setting off a series of unfortunate events that test their relationship. The film’s blend of comedy and drama, along with its outrageous scenes, has resonated with both cinephiles and AMPAS voters.
Oscar buzz and industry acclaim
Anora has already been touted as an Oscar contender, with many predicting that Madison will be a strong competitor in the best actress race. At 25, she would be the youngest nominee in the category, potentially joining the ranks of other sure-fire bets like Angelina Jolie for Maria. Neon, the indie studio behind Parasite’s historic best picture win, is expected to fully support Anora in its Oscar campaign.
Sean Baker’s journey to the Oscars
Baker has yet to receive significant Oscar attention for his previous work, despite critical acclaim. His film Tangerine (2015) garnered nominations from the Independent Spirit Awards, and The Florida Project (2017) earned widespread praise for Willem Dafoe, who was nominated for best supporting actor at the Oscars. Red Rocket marked a notable comeback for Simon Rex, who won a best actor trophy from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.
However, Anora could change Baker’s Oscar fortunes. If the film continues to gain momentum, Baker could find himself nominated for his work as a producer, director, writer, and editor, mirroring Chloé Zhao’s four-nomination day for Nomadland. His vision is fully realized in Anora, and audiences are loving the wild and profane adventure that could become one of the awards season’s critical darlings.
Discovering new talent
Baker’s knack for discovering new and exciting actors is on full display in Anora. Festival attendees have praised the standout supporting performances of Eydelshteyn as an overzealous, spoiled rich kid, and Yura Borisov as a quietly commanding bodyguard. Both actors are worthy of supporting actor consideration, though vote-splitting often occurs in tight races, especially with lesser-known actors.
The road ahead
Anora is set to continue its festival circuit, with upcoming screenings at the Toronto Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. As the buzz continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the film fares in the awards season. For now, cinema enthusiasts can revel in the excitement surrounding this lively romp.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Anora, check out the trailer and stay tuned for more updates on this captivating film.