Anora is a 2024 American comedy-drama film written, directed, produced, and edited by Sean Baker. Starring Mikey Madison as the titular character Anora Mikheeva, the film follows the life of a stripper who unexpectedly marries the son of a Russian oligarch, played by Mark Eydelshteyn. The supporting cast includes Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov.
The film had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2024, where it garnered widespread critical acclaim and won the prestigious Palme d’Or. Distributed by Neon, Anora was released theatrically on October 18, 2024, and became Baker’s highest-grossing film, earning $41 million worldwide against a $6 million budget.
Awards and Accolades
Anora received numerous prestigious accolades. It dominated the 97th Academy Awards, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Director (Sean Baker), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Additionally, at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), it won Best Casting and Best Actress. The film was recognized as one of the top ten films of 2024 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.
Plot Summary
Set in the vibrant yet gritty backdrop of Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach, Anora “Ani” Mikheeva is a 23-year-old stripper navigating life in the Russian-American neighborhood. Her encounter with Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov, the son of Russian oligarch Nikolai Zakharov, changes her fate. Although Vanya is in the U.S. to study, he is more interested in partying and video games than academics.
Vanya hires Ani for private encounters and eventually offers her $15,000 to stay with him for a week. During a trip to Las Vegas, he impulsively proposes. Despite her initial skepticism, Ani accepts, and they elope at a small wedding chapel. Quitting her job, Ani moves into Vanya’s Brooklyn mansion, unaware of the storm ahead.
When Vanya’s family in Russia learns of the marriage, his mother, Galina, orders his Armenian godfather, Toros, to intervene and arrange an annulment. Toros sends his henchmen, Garnik and Igor, to intimidate Ani and force her to part ways with Vanya. However, Ani refuses to back down and fights for her place in Vanya’s life.
As tensions escalate, Ani and Vanya find themselves on the run. However, Vanya’s immaturity and his family’s immense power prove too strong to overcome. At the airport, Vanya, under pressure from his mother, coldly rejects Ani, leading her to ultimately agree to an annulment. In the final scenes, Ani receives a payout and her wedding ring back but is left to navigate the emotional aftermath of her short-lived marriage.
Cast
- Mikey Madison as Anora “Ani” Mikheeva
- Mark Eydelshteyn as Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov
- Yura Borisov as Igor
- Karren Karagulian as Toros
- Vache Tovmasyan as Garnik
- Aleksei Serebryakov as Nikolai Zakharov
- Darya Ekamasova as Galina Zakharova
- Luna Sofía Miranda as Lulu
- Vincent Radwinsky as Jimmy
- Anton Bitter as Tom
- Ivy Wolk as Crystal
Production Insights
Sean Baker drew inspiration from a real-life story of a Russian-American newlywed kidnapped for collateral. Additionally, his experience editing Russian-American wedding videos in 2000-2001 contributed to the film’s authenticity. Baker’s commitment to realistic storytelling is evident in his approach to the sex work industry, aiming to humanize and remove the stigma surrounding it.
Mikey Madison was cast after Baker saw her performances in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Scream. She underwent extensive preparation, learning Russian, studying Brooklyn accents, and visiting strip clubs for research.
Filming took place in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Sheepshead Bay, and Las Vegas, capturing the film’s dynamic settings. Cinematography was influenced by 1970s New York crime dramas, using Kodak 35mm film and vintage LOMO lenses to achieve a visually striking aesthetic.
Box Office Success
Anora grossed $41 million worldwide, making it Sean Baker’s most commercially successful film. In its limited release opening weekend, the film earned $550,503 from six theaters, achieving a per-screen average of $91,751—the highest of 2024. As it expanded, the film continued to perform well, earning $15.7 million in the U.S. and Canada and $25.2 million in international markets.
Critical Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, Anora boasts a 93% approval rating based on 332 reviews, with an average rating of 8.5/10. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 91/100, signifying universal acclaim. Critics praised Mikey Madison’s powerhouse performance, Baker’s sharp storytelling, and the film’s gripping narrative.
Cultural and Social Impact
Anora has been widely discussed for its portrayal of sex work, receiving praise from many sex workers for its nuanced depiction. Unlike previous Hollywood films, which often portray sex workers as victims or objects of pity, Anora presents Ani as a strong, independent, and resourceful protagonist. The film also sparked debates about representation, with some critics arguing it reinforces outdated stereotypes.
Streaming and Home Release
Following its theatrical run, Anora was released on digital platforms on December 17, 2024. It began streaming on Hulu on March 17, 2025, and is set for a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release by The Criterion Collection on April 29, 2025.
Conclusion
Anora stands as one of the most compelling films of 2024, blending humor, drama, and social commentary in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide. With its award-winning direction, stellar performances, and thought-provoking narrative, Anora has solidified its place as a modern cinematic masterpiece.