Ep 196: “Anora” Seduces, Surprises, and Subverts (Best Picture Nominee, Dir. Sean Baker, 2024)

Today we’re reviewing the new Sean Baker film, “Anora” (2024). Winner of the golden palm award (Palme d’Or) at this years Cannes Film Festival, this romantic comedy/drama follows exotic dancer, “Ani”/“Anora” (Mikey Madison) in a Cinderella-esque whirlwind romance with Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), a Russian oligarch’s son. After news of their marriage reaches Ivan’s parents, however, wheels are set in motion that result in Anora’s kidnapping by Armenian henchmen. Part glitter-and-neon streaked romcom and part Hangover-esque odyssey, this remarkable film is rich with hilarity and heart. You’ll fall in love with every character and with the idiosyncratic twists in plot. It might be my favorite film this year — let’s get into it!Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠We're now a part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective! Learn more about our podcast partners ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.