The movie Anora is the story of a young girl living in Brooklyn working as a stripper when she meets an even younger Russian party boy heir. The chaotic details of their courtship define this film…

Story: This story is filled with WTF moments. Written, directed, edited and produced by Sean Baker, he did a spot-on job of setting the stage for an outrageous, chaotic ride and delivered from scene to scene – clear up to the very. Last. SCENE! The drama continues to pile up gradually, seeming ready to explode only to move on to yet another unbelievable moment. There is no pause in play for this story. Clever storytelling…

Characters: Mikey Madison plays Ani, stripper/escort – all Brooklyn girl. Madison is/was/is not a fixture in Hollywood, but delivers this role. She won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role as a mostly unknown performer. That should give you some indication of how powerful her performance is.

In fact, the entire cast is mostly unknown actors… which also speaks to the value of this production. The other two characters to which you should pay attention; Mark Eydelshteyn as Vanya, the Russian party boy and Yuri Borisov as Igor, the bodyguard. Ani’s connections to them both are pivotal markers in the ultimate meaning behind the story.

Visual: Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York. A Russian American enclave. If it was not shot on location, the cinematographer is a genius. More importantly was the wardrobe. The look of a stripper is very specific and Ani was every bit the look of a Brooklyn stripper.

Rating: A. The best words to define this film are authentic and gritty. It’s a refreshing story in a sea of remakes, reboots and sequels. Haven’t seen this one lately – if ever – on the screen, but it is a possibility if you know anything about Brighton Beach… it could happen…

Anora won Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards. What makes it special? The authenticity. I said it before… it is the central character in this wild ride. This is a must see.