The article discusses “Anora,” a film by Sean Baker about a young stripper from Brooklyn who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, only to face challenges from his parents seeking an annulment. The film emerged as a favorite at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, ultimately winning the Palme d’Or. The lead actress, Mikey Madison, received acclaim for her performance, highlighting Baker’s exploration of marginalized characters in American society and his unique storytelling style.
Overview of the Plot
Anora, a young stripper from Brooklyn, experiences a dramatic change in her life when she crosses paths with a Russian oligarch’s son. Without hesitation, she joyfully agrees to marry her Prince Charming. However, upon learning the news in Russia, the fairy tale takes a turn for the worse as the young man’s parents set out for New York with plans to annul the marriage…
A Palme Winning Love Story
On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at around 8 pm, Sean Baker finds his life and career transformed. Following the positive reception of Anora just days prior, the American director joins the ranks of celebrated filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Terrence Malick, Gus van Sant, and Quentin Tarantino after clinching the coveted Palme d’Or.
Five months after impressing Greta Gerwig’s jury, Baker is now ready to face the public with the newfound acclaim. Anora seems poised for success, aiming to surpass the 167,914 viewers of his previous film, The Florida Project, which remains his highest-grossing work in France.
A Mainstream Palme d’Or Winner
There’s a common misconception that the Palme d’Or is reserved for so-called ‘boring’ films—those that are austere, radical, and celebrated more for their themes than their accessibility. While films like Titanium, The Square, and Uncle Boonmee may provoke debate, this perspective oversimplifies the awards.
In recent years, several consensus winners, such as Anatomy of a Fall, Parasite, and Me, Daniel Blake, have captivated audiences, including juries, critics, and festival-goers alike.
Anora undeniably fits this latter description. Its presentation midway through the 77th Cannes Film Festival sparkled with laughter and loud applause. This modern Cinderella narrative, which evolves into a tale reminiscent of an episode from The Sopranos, is hard to resist.
While comedy is often scarce in the competition, Anora delights viewers with humor and emotional depth, culminating in a heartwarming finale. The film’s exploration of a stripper’s journey toward the American dream resonates with universal themes of aspiration and insecurity. With an engaging lead and an intriguing supporting character, Anora ventures into unexpected territory.
Mikey Madison: A Stunning Breakthrough
You might recognize Mikey Madison from her role in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, sharing the screen with talents like Austin Butler and Sydney Sweeney. Yet, her standout performance in Anora steals the spotlight entirely.
Madison’s magnetic presence earned her a well-deserved Best Actress buzz at the Cannes Film Festival. The film’s triumph came as a delightful surprise for the actress, marking a significant milestone in her budding career during her first visit to France.
“It was the first project where I didn’t have to audition, which made me incredibly happy,” she shared, reflecting on the collaboration with Sean Baker leading up to filming. “We spent a year discussing the character and the film’s vision. Anora is the most different role I’ve played, far removed from who I am off-screen.”
“The character’s appearance and demeanor are so distinct from my own. I felt constantly challenged to step out of my comfort zone for this role. Each day pushed me to stay true to Anora, which was an exciting journey.”
Her commitment shines through; from preparation to performance, Madison immersed herself in the role. “I explored numerous books and memoirs by sex workers, engaged with consultants, and trained intensively in dance for just one brief stunt in the film. Everything you see, including stunts and dance, is authentically me. I aimed for realism, which drove my hard work. I also worked with a dialect coach and a Russian tutor.” Her efforts have positioned her as a strong contender for the Oscars.
Sean Baker’s Acclaimed Work
If you’ve been following Sean Baker’s career since his breakout film Tangerine in 2015 or even The Florida Project, you likely anticipated Anora’s release. For many viewers, this film may serve as an introduction to Baker’s work, and we encourage those new to his films to check out previous titles, especially Starlet, which is back in cinemas starting October 23.
Baker frequently centers his narratives on sex workers, evident from the trans characters in Tangerine to the porn star in Red Rocket, and, of course, the titular stripper in Anora. His goal is not to sensationalize but to shine a light on marginalized figures within American society and cinema.
“I’ve wanted to tell a story about the