Anora movie review - Sean Bakers Cannes winning movie is a near-perfect masterpiece.

 Movies are all for entertainment. We can rant about how certain aspects of a film negate its viewing experience, or how an actors portrayal was very one-sided or flat, but at the end of the day - a movie is good if it entertains without disruption. A movie is even better if it immerses you inside a world, makes you unaware of the time, the popcorn in your hand, and ultimately engages and moves you. Sean Bakers Cannes-winning ‘Anora’ does all of the above - and crazily, with no major qualms. 

This film isn’t your typical rom-com, and for a good reason, as it’s leveled up from the genre in many incredible ways. To start, the comedy is unmatched. This is most likely the funniest film you will see this year (for me, currently, it’s the funniest film i’ve seen in years), but that’s not all there is to this mesmerizing film. Baker does something incredible here, and crafts humor with immense meaning and heart - something rare to see in mainstream cinema these days.  The script, though all fun and games at the start, delves into the emotional-core of the film in the second half, but the build up to this isn’t disengaging due to the very well put-together pacing of the film. 

In regards to the script and the narrative of the movie, this is a film that pushes boundaries to create such an unpredictable narrative, and this is one of the things that enhances the viewing experience. There isn’t an ounce of predictability, even to the very end, especially in that second half. Bakers vision is original and unique, and tops this all off with an ending that makes you think hard about everything you’ve just seen, rekindling the narrative in your own mind - though in whatever way you think of it, Baker leaves you with a message you can take away, again, showcasing that a movie of this nature amalgamates the comedy with deep and profound emotion extremely well. 

Perhaps my only issue with this movie is the whole relationship we are introduced to. Anora, and what she gets herself into, doesn’t seem all too genuine and convincing. There is a certain point in the film,(and from then onwards, several) where our titular character could have taken action with the situation and the whole movie could’ve ended way earlier. Though, this is very much up to debate. Baker adds a lot of room for ambiguity in this movie, and this viewpoint can be defended if one were to look at Anora through a different lens and to find that there is enough substantial evidence in the film to prove that lens, of course. Though, this is the only thing I personally didn’t seem to admire about the film.  

Back to the movies optimism though, there’s no denying this movie is dazzling too, in terms of performances and cinematography. Mikey Madison gives an oscar-worthy performance as the titular ‘Anora’. She’s loud, feisty - but at the same time can switch  to reflect her character experiencing genuine emotion and pain it’s honestly incredible. Right now, she’s my pick for best actress, and if she doesn’t even get a nom i’ll start a riot. 

The rest of the cast is fantastic also, and this is not just a testament to the performers themselves but Bakers ability to direct such people to have incredible on-screen presences. He does such a great job here, and the final product of ‘Anora’ is the definition of hard work paid off. It’s so much fun, but also goes so deep into the life of a sex-worker like our protagonist but does it in such a well-meaning manner that there is so much more to take away in regards to the nature of love and the way society works and their reaction to the different forms of this emotion. I never thought a comedy could be this profound and deep, but Baker cooks something here that will blow everyone away. 

Anora is in US cinemas from October 18th - worldwide from November 1st!