Anora: A Raw and Riveting Tale of Love and Survival

Image Source: The New Yorker

Sean Baker’s Anora is a daring and electrifying modern fairytale, filled with romance, suspense, and a brutal clash of worlds. What begins as a Cinderella-like love story quickly turns into a thrilling fight for survival, making this one of the most gripping films of the year. After sweeping the 97th Academy Awards (2025), winning Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Director, Anora proves itself to be one of the most compelling films of the year.

Plot Overview

Ani (Mikey Madison) is a young stripper in Brooklyn, juggling long nights and barely making ends meet. She’s sharp, street-smart, and independent, but deep down, she yearns for a way out. That escape seemingly arrives when she meets Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch, who is vacationing in New York. He is carefree, wealthy, and is smitten with her the moment they meet. 

Their whirlwind romance leads to a sudden marriage, and for a brief moment, Ani believes she’s finally found the stability she always craved. But her dream soon becomes a nightmare when Vanya’s powerful and ruthless parents learn about their marriage. Furious and determined to maintain control over their son’s life, they send their associates to New York to have the marriage annulled by any necessary means.

What follows is a high-stakes game of manipulation, control, and survival, as Ani finds herself trapped between her love for Vanya and the overwhelming force of his family’s influence. Can she hold on to the life she thought she had won, or is she just another pawn in a world where power always wins?

Cast and Their Performances

Madison delivers a career-defining portrayal of Ani, balancing strength, vulnerability, and raw emotion. She makes Ani a woman who refuses to be a victim, despite overwhelming odds. Alongside her, Mark Eydelshteyn brings depth to Vanya, portraying him not just as a privileged heir but as a conflicted, emotionally torn young man caught between love and being loyal to his own family. 

Aleksei Serebryakov and Darya Ekamasova as Vanya’s parents are cold, calculated, and even powerful, making them more than just villains. They are the embodiment of control and manipulation who would not let their authority go in vain. Even the supporting characters in Ani’s world, from her co-workers to those of the associates of Russian elites, feel authentic, adding layers of realism that make her struggles even more compelling. With such a strong ensemble, Anora thrives as a character-driven story where every single performance elevates the film’s emotional intensity.

Direction

Sean Baker once again proves his brilliance with Anora, delivering a raw, electrifying narrative that feels as authentic as it is gripping. His signature gritty style draws audiences deep into Ani’s world, capturing the stark contrast between the glowing and vibrant energy of her Brooklyn life and the cold, calculated grandeur of the Russian elite. Every frame is carefully composed to heighten the emotional tension, ensuring that the stakes feel real and immediate.

Baker’s direction doesn’t just tell a story instead it immerses the viewer in Ani’s struggles, making her journey feel personal and raw. His use of realistic performances, unfiltered dialogue, and intimate camerawork creates an atmosphere where even the quietest moments carry weight. As Ani’s world unravels, Baker keeps the tension razor-sharp, ensuring that the film never loses its momentum.

Final Thoughts

Anora is definitely Ani's story in a bold, and unfiltered manner. It's a raw look at power, survival, and identity, wrapped in Sean Baker’s signature raw storytelling. Mikey Madison delivers a standout performance, making Ani’s journey both heartbreaking and electrifying. With sharp direction, gripping tension, and a compelling narrative, the film is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. A must-watch for those who appreciate daring, character-driven cinema.