Film Review: Anora (USA 2024) by Sean Baker - Six Oscar Nominations

Content: In this podcast, we talk about Sean Baker’s film “Anora”. (2024). The film tells the story of a Russian-speaking stripper from Brooklyn who falls in love with the wealthy son of a Russian oligarch and gets married. The subsequent intervention of the groom's family forms the central conflict of the film.  In our discussion we praise the staging, but criticizes the length of the film and the lack of characterization of the main character.  Despite this, “Anora” was nominated for six Oscars, which underlines the great attention the film has received. We describe the film as unusual, but not necessarily outstanding.  Summary:  Anora is a Russian speaking stripper from Brooklyn whose boss often pairs her with Russian-speaking clients. One night, she meets Vanya, the wealthy young son of a Russian oligarch. Unexpectedly, they fall in love, and Anora lives a life like in a fairy tale.  After they get married and this news reaches Russia, their days of young happiness are numbered because Vanya's parents set out for New York to annul the marriage.