Anora, Deserving of the Oscars it Won, Earns Five Stars

Anora recently took home five Oscars, and deservedly so.

Written, edited, and directed by Sean Baker, this gripping film follows a sex worker who finds herself entangled in a whirlwind romance with the son of a Russian oligarch. What starts as a wild, impulsive marriage soon spirals into chaos. The film is both hilarious and deeply frustrating in equal measure-a testament to Baker's sharp storytelling.

Courtesy Neon

Anora features actress Mikey Madison as Anora "Ani" Mikheeva, a New York stripper who marries the wealthy son of a Russian oligarch played by Mark Eydelshteyn. Chaos ensues as Russian agents are sent to end the marriage.

Mikey Madison delivers a standout performance as Anora, or Ani, a sex worker at a New York gentleman's club. Since she knows a little Russian, she's paired with the young son of a wealthy oligarch who is in the U.S. for some fun before being roped into his father's empire. Their relationship escalates quickly, leading them to a spontaneous Vegas wedding. Ani thinks she's hit the jackpot-until reality comes crashing down.

Enter the family's enforcers, sent to "fix" the situation and force an annulment. From here, Anora shifts gears, becoming a tense exploration of power, survival, and Ani's struggle to carve out agency in a world where she's largely powerless.

The performances across the board are stellar. Even the henchmen, despite their role in Ani's downfall, bring unexpected humor and depth. One in particular treats Ani with as much respect as his job allows, offering a rare moment of humanity in an otherwise ruthless situation. Their final scene together is both devastating and unforgettable.

A must-see film, fully deserving of its accolades.

5 out of 5 stars.