11/35
Anora, a young sex worker from Brooklyn, meets and impulsively marries the son of an oligarch. When news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is threatened when his parents head to New York to annul the marriage. Mikey Madison reflects on the roles that shaped his path to Anora, from “Better Things” to Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood to Scream. At a Cannes Film Festival press conference, Mikey Madison said that director Sean Baker would act out different sexual positions with his wife, producer Samantha Quan, to demonstrate to the actors what he wanted them to do. Igor: PLEASE! STOP! SCREAMING!. Referenced in Close-Up: Anora (2024). Sean Baker, the director behind “The Florida Project” and “Tangerine,” has a knack for finding humanity in unexpected places. With “Anora,” he delves into the world of a young sex worker in Brooklyn who finds herself swept off her feet by the son of a Russian oligarch. What initially seems like a fairy tale quickly turns into a chaotic clash of cultures as Anora navigates her new reality. Mikey Madison delivers a captivating performance as Anora, portraying her with a mix of vulnerability and fierce determination. The film doesn’t shy away from the realities of her life, but it also avoids sensationalism. Baker’s signature neorealist style, with its use of non-professional actors and on-location filming, gives the film a raw authenticity. While the film’s first act may test some viewers’ patience, it is crucial in establishing Anora’s world and the circumstances that lead to her impulsive marriage. Once the Russian parents enter the picture, the film really takes off, becoming a darkly comic and often unpredictable exploration of family, love, and culture clashes. “Anora” is not your typical romantic comedy. It is a film that defies expectations and offers a new perspective on the immigrant experience in America. While it may not be for everyone, those willing to make the journey will be rewarded with a thought-provoking and ultimately moving film. See the full schedule for the 62nd New York Film Festival this fall.