Sean Baker’s Anora: A Daring Modern Fairytale That Hits Hard

Image Source: The New Yorker

Sean Baker’s Anora is a daring and electrifying modern fairytale. It is equal parts romantic drama and psychological thriller. What begins like a Cinderella story quickly transforms into a high-stakes tale of power, survival, and identity. After sweeping the 97th Academy Awards in 2025 with wins for Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Director, Anora proves itself as one of the most unforgettable films of the year.

Plot overview

Ani, played by Mikey Madison, is a young Brooklyn stripper trying to make ends meet in a city that never sleeps. She is tough, smart, and carries herself with resilience, but beneath the surface, there is a longing for something more. That glimmer of escape arrives when she meets Vanya, portrayed by Mark Eydelshteyn, the carefree and wealthy son of a Russian oligarch.

What begins as a whirlwind romance leads to a sudden marriage, and for a brief moment, Ani believes she has finally found stability. But when Vanya’s powerful parents learn of their union, her dream spirals into suspense. Determined to control their son’s future, Vanya’s family sends people to dismantle the marriage by any means necessary.

As tensions rise, Ani is forced into a psychological battle for independence. She must navigate manipulation and fear, deciding whether her love can survive in a world ruled by control and wealth.

Cast and performances

Mikey Madison delivers a career-defining performance as Ani. She portrays strength and vulnerability with precision, making Ani unforgettable. She refuses to be a passive victim and instead becomes a figure of resilience, making every scene emotionally charged.

Mark Eydelshteyn brings complexity to Vanya. He is not merely a privileged heir, but a conflicted young man torn between love and loyalty. Their chemistry is deeply felt, adding emotional depth to the story.

Aleksei Serebryakov and Darya Ekamasova are excellent as Vanya’s ruthless parents. They are cold and powerful, embodying a calculated threat that looms over the narrative. Supporting characters from Ani’s world also shine, grounding the story in realism and adding texture to her journey.

Direction and atmosphere

Sean Baker once again proves his mastery with Anora. His direction draws viewers deep into Ani’s world. Using his signature gritty style, he captures the vibrancy of Brooklyn and the cold, oppressive presence of the Russian elite with equal intensity.

The cinematography is intimate and raw. Every frame builds tension, and the unfiltered dialogue brings authenticity. Baker’s ability to blend beauty and brutality makes Ani’s emotional journey deeply personal. His storytelling never loses its urgency, and the quiet moments are just as impactful as the climactic ones.

Final thoughts

Anora is a bold and unfiltered exploration of survival, power, and identity. It is Ani’s story told with emotional force, elevated by Mikey Madison’s unforgettable performance. Sean Baker delivers a film that is thought-provoking and emotionally arresting, combining social commentary with cinematic elegance.

For anyone who loves daring, character-driven cinema that refuses to hold back, Anora is an absolute must-watch.

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