Anora (2024)

One of my fellow cinephiles hung their reaction on the "disturbing and uncomfortable" final scene of this film, which they felt was "more alarming and perverse" than the end of Leaving Las Vegas, and said they "didn't understand how it won Best Picture." My son, who is 17, saw the film upon its theatrical release and said he "wasn't surprised at ALL that it won Best Picture."

The contrasting views heightened the film's viewing appeal, so I dove into it head-first. I had only a general idea of the film's plot, so over the first 15-20 minutes, I wondered, "What type of story will this be?" About 30-40 minutes into it, I thought, "Who, and what, should I be focusing on?"

Obviously, Ani (Anora) is the titular character. However, the story breaks standards by periodically shifting the focus to side characters' fates, such as Ivan, Toros, and Igor. By the film's end, I felt something for each of them, and they were masterfully driven to their separate conclusions.

I sincerely intended to see this film in a theater (as all movies should be seen) before the Academy handed the producers and stars multiple Oscars, most notably for Best Picture and Best Actress Mikey Madison. The allure of the movie's prominence and accolades excited me to watch it ASAP. So, with limited theater showings and a lack of patience, I opted to stream it on Hulu.

Mikey Madison's performance astounded me. Her dynamic range of mood, dialogue, poise, and chaotic charm, portrayed in a single character, was both contrastly disruptive and calming.

Oddly, I understood the finaI scene. I felt the characters’ connection and mutual respect gradually building throughout the film, so it made sense from that perspective.

If you're more conservative in your views or find sex and drug scenes appalling or cringy, then you may want to pass on Anora. But if you're comfortable with the visceral pleasures of the human condition and hopeless romanticism in its purest, darkest form, then Anora is a must-see film.