A film about sex workers and exotic dancers opening with a Take That song was not on my bingo card for 2024 but here we are. The soundtrack is not the only noteworthy part of Sean Baker’s latest release Anora. It is a rollercoaster of comedy and emotion through the world of sex worker Ani (Mikey Madison) as she meets Russian playboy and rich kid Ivan (a.k.a Vanya) (Mark Eidelshtein). Her world is completely transformed upon meeting him but this isn’t just a simple romcom or a Cinderella story rip off, Baker’s creation has depth and authenticity that makes it so much more.

Ani is 23, working at Headquarters in midtown Manhattan as a dancer, working the floor, asking clients if they want to go to a private room. Madison makes this charm seem effortless in a completely improvised sequence that opens the film. Anora expertly shows the camaraderie between the workers, gossiping about weird requests, complaining about the terrible music the owner’s cousin plays, and having silly back of house banter. It’s at this point her boss requests her to show Vanya a good time as she is the only Russian speaker on the staff. Vanya is erratic, giving ‘rich kid on a gap year energy’ who has money to burn – played perfectly by Eidelshtein with his absurdly larger than life laugh and physical comedic stylings of Chaplin and Keaton. What is interesting about the Russian life portrayed in Anora is it is often shown in opposites – Vanya and his super rich oligarch parents are life of luxury personified, but Ani’s hometown in Brighton Beach is a Russian speaking community built in the lights of Coney Island which feels cold and run down in the film. When Vanya asks Ani to become exclusive with him (for a fee of course) it seems like a no brainer for Ani – this may just be the easiest $15k she will ever make. At this point Anora turns into a drug and drink fuelled rollercoaster of sex, partying, shopping, and fun. This is so far removed from the day to day in Brighton Beach it almost doesn’t seem possible for Ani to be in this situation – even if she is being paid to be there. When she takes her friend and colleague to Vanya’s New Year’s party it seems like they have been transported to another realm, the sort of parties that you see in films or hear about but are never invited to. 

The chemistry between Madison and Eidelshtein is wonderful but the way they interact with each other onscreen is mastery and the reason the jokes land so well in this film. One particular moment when they are interrupted having sex at the new year’s party is so funny that you kind of forget this is meant to be sexy in any way. The dialogue in this film moves as fast as its characters and at times you’re left wondering what the hell all of these people are doing together and how they are in these situations. But Anora is certainly never boring and a whole world of fun. After a crazy time in Vegas, Ani and Vanya get married, giving Ani the perfect opportunity to leave behind her life and Vanya become a US citizen and avoid the need to work for his family’s business. However, when news reaches Russia and his family, all hell breaks loose and his handler Toros (Karren Karagulian) and hilarious double act henchmen Garnick (Vache Tovmasyan) and Igor (Yura Borisov) are sent to deal with it and have the marriage annulled. Cue Toros, Garnick, Igor, and an begrudging Ani embarking on a laugh a minute caper across New York to try and track down an AWOL Vanya before his parents arrive from Russia. The speed of the film leaves you breathless from laughing and because everything seems to happen at lightning speed. However, when we do get those quiet moments, they are all the more impactful and tender – perhaps Vanya and Ani really are in love, just because you’re a Russian henchmen doesn’t mean you won’t give someone a scarf when they are cold, and in these moments Ani and the audience have the opportunity to pause for a moment to fully process what is happening. Is this really going to be a happily ever after we are all hoping for?

Anora continues Baker’s impressive streak of creating films that feel fresh. His way of storytelling and mastery at creating rounded and complex characters whilst dealing with often taboo or dark subjects is something that will surely place him amongst cinematic greats. Anora is beautiful to watch, vast sweeping shots of Coney Island become anchors in the film and the way Baker shoots Vegas is playful and exciting. With it being so funny, it is easy to forget the subjects Baker is dealing with here – the complexities of family, power, manipulation, sex, and money. It is an honest and real representation of sex work and challenges societal misconceptions. Ani is powerful, she is a force to be reckoned with, don’t you dare cross her or call her a hooker. Madison’s portrayal of her oozes with charm and charisma, and this is truly a breakout performance for her that is already creating Oscar buzz. Honestly, the hype isn’t overblown, Madison is perfect in this role and I hope she gets the recognition she deserves.

Anora is set for release in cinemas on October 18th in the US and November 1st in the UK – trust me when I say you don’t want to miss seeing this on the big screen.