We are currently in the midst of the awards season, and this year, I’ve set a goal to watch all the films nominated for Best Picture. Although we will find out the Oscar nominees closer to February 2025, there is already a lot of buzz around movies coming out of the festival circuit. The film that has garnered the most attention is Neon’s Anora, which was awarded the Palme d’Or, the most esteemed accolade for Best Feature Film at the Cannes Film Festival.

This film represents the first American production to receive this award since 2011, an achievement that is notably remarkable and has garnered the attention of cinephiles around the world. To expand my cinematic repertoire beyond the horror genre, I visited my local cinema to view Anora on the big screen and see what all the hype is about.

I was particularly intrigued to learn that Neon, an American independent film production and distribution company, is distributing the film. Neon has gained recognition for its impressive slate of releases, including several films that have received Academy Award nominations and awards, such as Parasite and Anatomy of a Fall. Longlegs is one of my favorite movies this year, and I have high hopes for an upcoming release called Presence.

If Neon distributes a movie, I will see it.

Anora is a romantic comedy-drama written, directed and edited by Sean Baker, a favorite among enthusiasts of independent cinema. Baker is particularly noted for his ability to depict authentic human experiences, with The Florida Project among his most acclaimed works. I have yet to view his seven other films, which has left me without preconceived expectations of this film. Nonetheless, my research indicates that many of Baker’s films are centered on the narratives of marginalized individuals, including sex workers, which is what this feature film is about.

We follow a young stripper named Anora (Mikey Madison), who wants to be called “Ani,” who lives in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. Since she is the only stripper at the HQ Gentlemen’s Club who can speak Russian, she is introduced to Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. Not long after, he asks Ani to spend time with him outside the club at his mansion to be his girlfriend for a week, traveling and partying.

This is truly a Cinderella story, showcasing a journey from rags to riches amid a whirlwind romance. During a trip to Las Vegas, Ivan suggests they get married so he can become an American citizen and be with Ani. This is the point at which the film’s narrative begins to gain significant momentum, raising concerns about whether the unfolding events are, in fact, too good to be true for Anora.

I love the visual aesthetic of this film. It was shot by cinematographer Drew Daniels using Kodak Vision 5219 35mm film, a medium that piqued my interest after I saw Strange Darling earlier this year. While shooting on film can be more expensive and less forgiving for mistakes, it ultimately provides a superior result, compared to digital. The colors are more vibrant, and the light leaks produced by this film are genuinely captivating. There are lots of bokeh effects that give a whimsical feel to the initial love story.

Using celluloid enhances the playful nature of the colors and creates a unique graininess that can only be achieved with film.

I find it fascinating how the camera work establishes a romantic-comedy tone in the film’s first half, while shifting to a gangster movie feel in the latter half. This film is noteworthy for its compelling narrative about an ordinary woman aspiring for greater fulfillment in life and its visually striking aesthetics. It is a testament to masterful filmmaking craftsmanship, and that is what I ultimately love about movies.

Now for the real star of this film: Mikey Madison.

She is unbelievably powerful in her role as Anora. She went through a lot of preparation, including countless hours in clubs learning to dance and to be able to do all the pole tricks. She worked diligently to perfect the Brooklyn accent and truly nails it. Not to mention, she had to learn Russian! The film is seen through Anora’s perspective, and Mikey captures every emotion beautifully: love, loss and desire. She is a stunning individual in an unconventional way, which adds to her appeal.

I was familiar with her from Scream (2022) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood but did not know of her expertise ’til this film. I cannot wait to see what projects she takes next. There is already buzz about her for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. She would be my pick alongside Demi Moore for The Substance (I would like to see more horror content featured at the Academy Awards, please!).

I recognize certain aspects of myself in Ani, especially regarding the experience of young love. Anora strongly desires a relationship to succeed, coupled with the belief that it is essential to escape the conditions of one’s life. This compels individuals to go to great lengths to maintain such connections, even when the person they believe to love demonstrates an evident lack of interest in reciprocating those feelings. Anora desperately wanted to escape her life, viewing Ivan as a way out.

The entire cast is exceptional. Russian actor Mark Eydelshteyn plays Ivan, also known as “Vanya,” perfectly portraying the role of a spoiled, immature man-child. Yura Borisov, as Igor, is another standout player who plays a Russian henchman. His character is as brute as he is charming. I could go on and on, but I love that Sean Baker aims for authenticity in his projects, hiring actors who reflect that vision, such as Russian performers and actual strippers to portray strippers.

Imagine being one of the women involved in a groundbreaking film that has the potential to be nominated for Best Picture. The opportunity to contribute to such a significant project would be truly thrilling!

The film thoughtfully explores significant themes such as power and identity. Ivan and his parents, who hold considerable influence in Russian politics and possess substantial wealth, perceive themselves as superior to individuals such as Anora. Her journey evokes empathy as one follows Anora’s transformation from poverty to a remarkable love story.

The narrative compels the audience to connect with her struggles and wish for her well-being, fostering a desire to offer her comfort and reassurance. This prompts a reflection on the concept of class: what rationale exists for elevating ourselves above another individual based solely on social standing?

Such inquiries are thoughtfully explored in the film and are highly relevant to our contemporary political environment.

The theme of love also emerges as a significant aspect of the narrative. What does it mean to love or to be “in love?” Ultimately, it transcends material wealth and power. Anora’s experiences illustrate a profound lesson; she has only encountered transactional love and struggles to accept a genuine, respectful form of love.

Throughout the story, she is depicted as being exploited by men within the club environment and by the character of Ivan. While the details of her upbringing remain largely unexplored, it is evident that she often resorts to utilizing her sexuality as a means of exerting power. So, ultimately, she is also guilty of using power as a means of control, similar to Ivan and his parents.

The themes explored in this film are compelling and richly layered, inviting viewers to contemplate their implications. Typically, I find myself delving into the intricate depths of horror films, searching for hidden meanings and symbolic representations. However, this narrative feels strikingly authentic and relatable, evoking a strong emotional response as it effectively communicates its poignant message.

I did not see myself enjoying this movie as much as I did, and I deeply admired Sean Baker’s artistry. He has masterfully crafted a film that powerfully depicts the resilience of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of success, while concurrently highlighting the essential role of collaboration in overcoming challenges. The narrative represents our capacity for unity and determination in adversity.

Anora will take you through an intricate journey of human emotions, skillfully evoking laughter and tears. The storytelling is so poignant that the concluding scenes left me in a quiet reflection, allowing the weight of the themes and character arcs to resonate deeply within me. It’s a bit of a gut punch. This immersive experience is precisely what I find so enriching about cinema; it entertains and inspires profound introspection and emotional engagement. It doesn’t happen with every movie, but it’s a magical experience when it does.

I hope you continue this journey with me to watch all the Oscar buzz-worthy films of 2024. This is only the beginning, and the bar is set high! I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. I give Anora four-and-a-half stars out of five.

Rated R for strong sexual content throughout, graphic nudity, pervasive language and drug use.