Love, success, and freedom — these desires are deeply rooted in every heart, although achieving them is never easy. Still, love is always fierce, success is chased relentlessly, and freedom is forever yearned for. This is the story of Anora, a woman driven by ambition and determined to claim all three. Join the Sungkyun Times (SKT) as it delves into her journey, exploring the delicate balance between dreams and reality.
Into the Heart of Anora
-A New York Nightlife Saga
Anora is the eigth feature film written and directed by Sean Baker. The movie, set in the vibrant nightlife scene of New York City, intricately intertwines characters from diverse social backgrounds and power dynamics. Upon its release, Anora immediately garnered widespread acclaim, winning the prestigious Golden Palm prize at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, which is awarded to the director of the best film in the competition. After its premiere, the movie received a 10-minute standing ovation, with the jury praising Baker’s direction, comparing it to that of legendary directors such as Ernst Lubitsch and Howard Hawks. The film’s ability to take audiences in unexpected directions while maintaining a classic feel was a key highlight. Additionally, at the 97th Academy Awards, Anora swept five major categories, further cementing Baker’s reputation as one of the most influential directors in contemporary American independent cinema.
-Synopsis (*Spoiler Alert)
Annie, a stripper in New York City, unexpectedly crosses paths with Ivan, a naive Russian heir, at the strip club where she works. Driven by impulsive passion, she quickly falls in love and marries him, dreaming of a dramatic elevation of social status. However, what at first seems like a fairytale romance soon takes a dark turn. When Ivan’s parents discover the marriage, they erupt in anger and send three of their American henchmen to annul it. As the enforcers arrive, Ivan, pressured by his family, abandons Annie and flees alone. Determined to hold on to her dream, she embarks on a frantic search for Ivan while the enforcers relentlessly chase her down to execute the annulment. In the midst of their tangled destinies, can Annie preserve her greatest desires?
Characters as a Mirror of Society
-The Light: ANORA
Annie, a Ukrainian-American stripper at a New York strip club called Headquarters, is a multifaceted character who embodies strength, resilience, and ambition. Born Anora, meaning “light,” she later adopts the name Annie to distinguish her stage persona from her true identity. Determined to rise above her circumstances, she marries Ivan in pursuit of social mobility. Still, she refuses to be intimidated by his powerful family, standing her ground against their enforcers. Rather than conforming to the stereotype of marginalized individuals as weak or powerless, Annie asserts control over her life, demonstrating courage and independence throughout the movie. Through her, the film challenges societal perceptions of sex workers, emphasizing their humanity and the complexity of their experiences. This aligns with Baker’s vision as he seeks to shed light on the struggles of those in the industry, urging a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of their lives beyond the stigma imposed by society.
-The Desire: IVAN
Ivan, the reckless heir to a Russian billionaire, sweeps Annie into a whirlwind romance that leads to an impulsive marriage. To Annie, he is more than just a lover — he embodies the escape she craves and offers a glimpse into an extravagant life. Together, they spend a delirious week lost in excess drinking, gambling, clubbing, and indulging in luxuries beyond Annie’s usual reach. However, this dream unravels as quickly as it begins. When Ivan’s family intervenes, he abandons Annie without hesitation, and the illusion bursts like a bubble, leaving her stranded in the harsh reality she had momentarily forgotten. Above simply love and desire, Ivan represents the power imbalance that defines the film. The chasm between his inherited wealth and Annie’s working-class struggles is insurmountable, making their marriage feel like a doomed Cinderella story. In the end, Ivan’s presence serves not as a promise of salvation but a painful reminder that some dreams are never meant to last.
-The Solace: IGOR
Igor is one of three men sent by Toros, Ivan’s powerful godfather, to track down the runaway couple and annul their reckless marriage. At first, he seems just like another hired enforcer. However, as Annie’s world crumbles, he becomes something unexpected — the only person to show her genuine kindness. Unlike Ivan, who abandons her at the first sign of trouble, Igor stays by her side, offering gentle support. Despite the act of care, hardened by years of struggle, Annie rejects his kindness with hostility, unsettled by the idea of love without conditions. Towards the end of the film, exhaustion and grief overwhelm her, and for the first time, she lowers her defenses, allowing herself to be vulnerable in Igor’s presence. More than a supporting character, Igor turns Annie’s story from one of mere survival into a testament to human connection, resilience, and the silent power of compassion.
The Captivating World of Sean Baker
-Powerful Realism that Evokes Deep Empathy
A key strength of Anora lies in Baker’s unique and creative direction. Contrary to the romantic and dreamy tone suggested by the film’s posters, Anora is actually a sharp, darkly comedic work rooted in realism. Similar to his earlier films, The Florida Project and Tangerine, Baker uses vivid, authentic mise-en-scène, the staging of a play, to immerse the audience in the story entirely. The realism is particularly striking in the portrayal of New York City’s nightlife and the contrasts between various social classes. Through this unflinching depiction, he not only highlights the lives of marginalized communities but also deepens the audience’s emotional engagement with the characters. To emphasize this realism, Baker encouraged actors to improvise their lines for more natural performances and used handheld cameras to create a raw, immediate feel. Anora is not merely a fictional narrative but a fearless exploration of reality, delivering a powerful sense of empathy and immersion to its viewers.
-The Allure of a Genre-Defying Film
Anora is a film that defies classification into a single genre, weaving together elements of romance, black comedy, crime drama, and thriller to create an unpredictable narrative. This blend of genres enhances the dramatic shifts throughout the film’s three-act structure. In the first act, Annie meets Ivan, and the story unfolds like a modern-day fairy tale, with Annie dreaming of a new life. However, in the second act, her marriage takes an unexpected turn, setting off a tense chase as she struggles to reclaim her ideal life. By the third act, the conflict with Ivan’s family escalates, leading to a crisis where Annie unexpectedly carves out a new future for herself. This combination of genres and the film’s unpredictable twists make Anora a genuinely original and gripping experience. Audiences are kept on edge, never knowing what is coming next, as Baker boldly pushes the boundaries of traditional storytellingIvan, and the story unfolds like a modern-day fairy tale, with Annie dreaming of a new life. However, in the second act, her marriage takes an unexpected turn, setting off a tense chase as she struggles to reclaim her ideal life. By the third act, the conflict with Ivan’s family escalates, leading to a crisis where Annie unexpectedly carves out a new future for herself. This combination of genres and the film’s unpredictable twists make Anora a genuinely original and gripping experience. Audiences are kept on edge, never knowing what is coming next, as Baker boldly pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
-Tragedy or Comedy?
The skillful blend of tragedy with humor creates a unique atmosphere in Anora. While the story explores tragic themes, such as Annie’s rocky relationship with Ivan and the pressure they received from his family, it also embraces comedy. A notable example is when the three henchmen sent by Ivan’s family attempt to threaten Annie, only to reveal themselves as clumsy and inept, turning the scene into an uproarious farce. This comedic touch does more than provide levity; it balances the film emotionally, giving the audience a breather amid darker moments and making the story more relatable. The film also sparks the question, “Is this really a tragedy?” While Annie’s journey seems to unravel in the face of harsh reality, her resilience suggests she has not surrendered to despair. The film ends in a gray area, offering neither a fairytale happy ending nor an apparent tragedy, subtly conveying that life is never so neatly defined. Despite its tragic undertones, Baker’s compassionate perspective leaves the audience with a sense of hope that feels natural rather than heavy-handed.
Is life a tragedy or a comedy? Anora explores this question by portraying characters who navigate the fine line between the two. While reality can be unforgiving, the film illustrates how people continue to pursue their desires and support each other in moments of despair. Through its portrayal of these struggles, Anora invites the audience to reflect on one’s lives and ponder how one should live amidst the tension between dreams and reality.