CINEMA ON TV: Anora, in Final Cut

Anora, winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, reaches audiences bearing the prestige that such accolades confer, despite the controversies that often surround them. Sean Baker's work has been celebrated for its authenticity and distinctive cinematic style, though it has also sparked debates about its portrayal of sex work and some abrupt tonal shifts within its narrative. Ultimately, it stands as one of the most talked-about films of the year.

One of the film's greatest achievements is Mikey Madison's performance in the leading role. Her portrayal imbues Anora with a humanity and depth that transcend stereotypes, allowing the audience to connect with her story. This is further enhanced by Sean Baker’s direction, once again demonstrating his widely praised ability to sensitively depict the lives of those often on the margins, striking a balance between realism and cinematic artistry.

The film stands out for its innovative narrative, blending elements of comedy and drama in an unconventional way. This approach not only energizes the story but also contributes to a more nuanced and complex portrayal of the characters and their circumstances. However, this very feature has also been criticized — some viewers find the tonal shifts abrupt and jarring, affecting the narrative’s cohesion. A matter of taste, perhaps.

One of the most debated aspects is the film’s depiction of sex work. While some praise it as a humanizing portrayal that avoids sensationalism, others argue that it presents an idealized or superficial view of the subject. This controversy intensifies with the perception that the film, rather than questioning the hardships of this reality, normalizes or even romanticizes prostitution, glossing over its more problematic and darker aspects.

Anora divides opinions but leaves no one indifferent. Its success cements it as one of the year’s most influential films, though the debate about its content and approach remains ongoing. Beyond the controversies, what is undeniable is that Sean Baker has once again created a film that challenges viewers, compelling them to reflect on the boundaries of realism in cinema and how certain realities are represented on screen.

CREDITS:

Director: Sean Baker / Screenplay: Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch / Music: Matthew Hinson / Producers: Sean Baker, Samantha Quan, Alex Coco, and Alex Saks / Lead Actors: Mikey Madison as Anora Mikheeva, Mark Eydelshteyn as Ivan "Vanya" Zakharov, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian...

SYNOPSIS:

Anora tells the story of Ani Mikheeva, a 23-year-old working as a stripper in Brighton Beach, a Russian-American neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Ivan "Vanya" Zakharov, the son of a powerful Russian oligarch. Vanya, supposedly in the United States to study, spends his time indulging in parties and video games at his family’s Brooklyn mansion. After several encounters, Vanya impulsively proposes to Ani during a trip to Las Vegas, and she accepts, believing she’s living her own fairy tale.

RATING: Highly recommended.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff