Introduction
Anora is a 2024 American comedy-drama film written, directed, produced, and edited by Sean Baker. The movie features Mikey Madison in the lead role as Anora Mikheeva, a stripper who unexpectedly marries the son of a Russian oligarch, played by Mark Eydelshteyn. With a stellar supporting cast including Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov, the film became a cinematic sensation.
Cannes Premiere and Critical Acclaim
Anora had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2024, where it was met with overwhelming praise and won the prestigious Palme d’Or. Following its theatrical release on October 18, 2024, by Neon, the film achieved both critical and commercial success. Impressively, it grossed $41 million worldwide against a modest $6 million budget, becoming Sean Baker’s highest-grossing film to date.
Oscar Triumph and Accolades
At the 97th Academy Awards, Anora secured five major wins, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Director for Sean Baker. Additionally, it won Best Casting and Best Actress at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA). Furthermore, the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute recognized it as one of the top ten films of 2024.
Plot Summary
Anora “Ani” Mikheeva is a 23-year-old stripper based in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. While working at a high-end strip club, she meets Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov, the son of Russian oligarch Nikolai Zakharov. Vanya, known for his reckless partying, hires Ani for an extended encounter, offering her $15,000 for a week’s companionship. However, their whirlwind relationship takes an unexpected turn when they elope in Las Vegas.
Their marriage sparks outrage within Vanya’s wealthy family, prompting his mother, Galina, to orchestrate an annulment with the help of his godfather, Toros. Ani is soon confronted by Toros and his henchmen, who attempt to persuade her to dissolve the marriage. As the story unfolds, Ani navigates a high-stakes battle between love, power, and survival.
The climax sees Ani confronting the harsh realities of her situation. As Vanya succumbs to his family’s pressure, Ani realizes that she cannot fight against their influence. Accepting the annulment, she ultimately finds solace in her own strength, closing the chapter on a tumultuous journey.
Cast and Characters
- Mikey Madison as Anora “Ani” Mikheeva, a high-end stripper with an independent spirit
- Mark Eydelshteyn as Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov, the carefree son of a Russian oligarch
- Yura Borisov as Igor, a Russian enforcer
- Karren Karagulian as Toros, Vanya’s Armenian godfather
- Vache Tovmasyan as Garnik, Toros’ brother
- Aleksei Serebryakov as Nikolai Zakharov, Vanya’s father
- Darya Ekamasova as Galina Zakharova, Vanya’s mother
- Luna Sofía Miranda as Lulu, Ani’s friend and fellow stripper
Production Insights
Sean Baker drew inspiration from real-life events and his past experiences filming Russian-American weddings. He aimed to depict a raw and honest portrayal of sex work, class disparity, and power dynamics. To ensure authenticity, Andrea Werhun, a former sex worker and author, served as a creative consultant.
Filming took place in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach, Coney Island, and Sheepshead Bay. The Zakharov mansion was shot in Mill Basin, at a luxurious estate once owned by Russian oligarch Vasily Anisimov. The cinematography, heavily influenced by 1970s crime dramas like The French Connection, utilized 35mm Kodak film and vintage LOMO lenses to create a gritty, immersive visual style.
Madison prepared extensively for her role by learning Russian, refining her Brooklyn accent, and studying the realities of strip club life. Additionally, Baker personally oversaw casting, assembling a talented ensemble to bring his vision to life.
Box Office Performance
Anora debuted in limited release, earning $550,503 from just six theaters. With a per-screen average of $91,751, it became the highest-grossing independent film opening of 2024. As its release expanded, it amassed $15.7 million in North America and $25.2 million internationally, totaling $40.9 million.
Critical Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, Anora holds a 93% approval rating based on 332 reviews, with an average score of 8.5/10. The film was praised for its sharp screenplay, dynamic storytelling, and Mikey Madison’s powerhouse performance. Likewise, Metacritic assigned it a score of 91/100, indicating universal acclaim.
Prominent critics lauded its modern take on screwball romance and social commentary. Vanity Fair called it “a wild, profane blast,” while The New Yorker described it as “a contemporary classic, blending comedy and tragedy seamlessly.”
Greta Gerwig, head of the Cannes jury, stated, “Anora transported us—it felt both fresh and deeply rooted in classic cinematic traditions.”
Impact on the Sex Work Narrative
The film sparked discussions within the sex work community. Many praised its nuanced portrayal, contrasting it with past Hollywood depictions that often sensationalized or stigmatized the profession. However, some critics felt that it still leaned on traditional tropes of sex workers as victims in need of rescue.
Streaming and Home Release
Anora was released on digital platforms on December 17, 2024, and made its streaming debut on Hulu on March 17, 2025. Additionally, The Criterion Collection will release a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray edition on April 29, 2025.
Conclusion
Anora stands as a defining film of 2024, merging gripping drama with poignant social commentary. Sean Baker’s direction, Mikey Madison’s electrifying performance, and the film’s sharp writing make it a must-watch. With multiple awards, critical acclaim, and strong box office numbers, Anora has cemented itself as a modern classic.
