a journey from the ordinary

Written By Suman Choudhury

Captivating still from film

Although a slow burn, Sean Baker’s Anora holds a weight of fragile hope and eagerness for connection. Mikey Madison delivers a parallel "Pretty Woman-esque" performance with a raw vulnerability take as Anora (Ani).

In an early flashback we see Anora's past as a sex worker which takes an emotionally complex turn when she meets Ivan. She envisions a way to escape this life, something that never crossed her mind before. Their connection gives a charged desire to yearn for a life beyond the borders of the forgotten town. While their relationship progresses quite slowly, every scene between the two shows the power of Ivan's ability to make Anora be seen and heard. Mikey's performance shines through her expressions which beautifully portray her pain and longing.

Though Ivan gives Anora hope to rewrite her story, there is a constant tension between what she feels is unattainable and what she truly wants. Sean Baker skillfully captures the slow simmer of hope in the past and the darkness of a diminished present as the film alternates between the two. While Ivan's presence in the film may have been subtle, his impact was felt in all the scenes depicting Anora's past. This slow burn might not be everyone's cup of tea, but accurately shows how emotional scars can trap you in survival mode.