By Jason Osiason

Anora is the kind of film that grips your heart, makes you laugh, and then shakes you up for laughing. It’s brilliant in how it navigates layers of darkness and complexity beneath its audience-pleasing surface. Mikey Madison is a revelation, the kind of screen presence you can’t look away from. As Ani, a high-priced stripper in Brooklyn, she is caught in a tumultuous relationship with Ivan Zakharov, the charming yet erratic son of a Russian oligarch, whose intense affections clash with Ani’s guarded view of love.

The film introduces us to Ani’s world, filled with characters who influence her journey, each bringing their own unique perspective to her life. Karren Karagulian’s portrayal of Toros, Ivan’s quirky godfather, injects much-needed levity amid Ani’s struggles, using humor to mask the darker realities of Ani’s situation. Yura Borisov’s Igor, on the other hand, provides a quiet, anchoring presence—a friend and confidant whose emotional complexity brings a warmth that Ani rarely encounters. Meanwhile, Mark Eydelshteyn’s Ivan oscillates between charm and selfishness, making him both captivating and dangerously unpredictable in Ani’s already chaotic life.

Madison’s performance is nothing short of a masterclass, blending physicality and emotion to capture Ani’s inner turmoil. Her character’s journey is defined by layers of trauma and survival instinct, and Madison navigates this with extraordinary vulnerability and strength. The film’s ending is richly symbolic, using small gestures, a pullback from a kiss, the significance of a ring to reveal Ani’s profound struggle with love, commitment, and self-worth. Madison internalizes Ani’s full-bodied rage and heartache, releasing it in a visceral moment that reverberates through the story’s final scenes.

The film’s conclusion lingers endlessly in my thoughts, refusing to let go. This isn’t just a film; it’s an experience that challenges us to look more deeply at those whose lives and stories are often pushed to the margins. Anora is a journey through love, survival, and self-reckoning, and with Madison at its core, we’re witnessing the rise of a talent destined for greatness. [A]