Anora
The brief
Sean Baker turns what could've been a Pretty Woman retread into something much sharper and more unpredictable, anchored by Mikey Madison's fearless performance as a Brooklyn sex worker who refuses to be anyone's victim. The film moves from giddy romantic comedy to increasingly frantic chaos as Russian oligarch family dynamics crash into working-class Brooklyn reality, and Baker keeps you guessing where it's all heading right until the end. At 139 minutes it occasionally feels indulgent, but Madison's raw intensity and Baker's eye for authentic street-level detail make every detour worthwhile. Perfect for fans of Good Time or Uncut Gems who want their fairy tales served with a healthy dose of NYC grit.
The verdict
If you crave unpredictable films that blend dark comedy with gritty realism and don't mind morally complex characters, this is a must-watch powered by Mikey Madison's explosive performance. If you prefer clear-cut narratives or get restless during long runtimes, the 139-minute chaos might test your patience despite the critical acclaim.
Watch with
- 👤 Solo viewing for full immersion in Madison's performance
- 👫 Date night for couples who like edgy indie films
- ⚠️ Skip if uncomfortable with sex work themes
Heads up
- Sex work depicted throughout (frequent)
- Strong language and sexual content (frequent)
- Intense confrontations and family conflict (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Sean Baker
- Cast
- Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, Luna Sofía Miranda, Lindsey Normington
Official synopsis
A young sex worker from Brooklyn gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and impulsively marries the son of an oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened as his parents set out to get the marriage annulled.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Office Romance (2026)
Both explore cross-class relationships complicated by family and social pressures.
