Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
In the ever-evolving landscape of global cinema, certain films transcend cultural boundaries, offering audiences a profound reflection of societal tensions. Anora, the unexpected Cannes Film Festival success, is one such film. Directed by Sean Baker, this cinematic gem deftly explores the tangled relationship between a New York stripper and the son of a Russian oligarch. More than just a love story, Anora delves into the complexities of class, power, and identity within the framework of modern diasporic experiences.
A Bold Choice for Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival is no stranger to provocative selections, and Anora stood out for its unorthodox narrative. The film tells the story of Anora Miheeva, a New York-based stripper with Russian roots, who finds herself entangled with Vanya Zakharov, the son of a globally renowned Russian oligarch. Played by the talented Mikey Madison, Anora, or “Eni” as she prefers to be called, embodies the archetype of the outsider – an immigrant woman struggling to carve out her place in a world that continuously undermines her.
It’s notable that Baker, an American filmmaker, chose to centre his narrative on Russian characters played by Russian-speaking actors, adding a layer of authenticity to the film. What makes Anora unique, however, is its embrace of the Russian diaspora experience in the United States, a topic seldom explored in American cinema. While much of the narrative is steeped in humour, there is an undercurrent of tragedy that paints a broader picture of dislocation, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
A Meeting of Worlds: The Plot Unfolds
The plot begins when Anora, whose fluency in Russian stems from her Uzbek grandmother, meets Vanya during one of his drunken escapades in New York. Played by Mark Eidelstein, Vanya is a character who, at first glance, appears to be a stereotypical son of privilege – overindulged, wealthy, and lost. But as the film progresses, the veneer of his carefree lifestyle begins to crumble, revealing the tensions that lie beneath.
The unlikely romance between Anora and Vanya moves at a rapid pace. Following a whirlwind week in Las Vegas, where Vanya proposes to Anora with a diamond ring, the couple returns to New York, only to face opposition from Vanya’s oligarch father, Nikolai, played by Aleksei Serebryakov. What follows is a high-stakes game of power, where Anora’s quick wit and street smarts prove to be her greatest asset. Baker’s portrayal of this mismatched couple is laced with humour, but beneath the laughs is a poignant commentary on the cultural and class divides that separate them.
A Standout Cast and a Russian Soul
The success of Anora lies not only in its unique narrative but also in its outstanding cast. Mikey Madison, while not Russian herself, delivers a performance that captures the resilience and charm of her character. Anora’s strength lies in her ability to navigate the treacherous waters of class and power, and Madison portrays this with finesse.
Supporting her are Russian actors Yura Borisov and Karen Karagulian, who bring depth to their roles as Nikolai’s lackeys, tasked with ensuring the annulment of Vanya and Anora’s marriage. Their comedic timing, combined with a sense of genuine menace, adds a layer of unpredictability to the film. Borisov, in particular, shines as the quiet enforcer, a role reminiscent of his performances in earlier Russian films.
The Cinematic Vision of Sean Baker
Sean Baker, known for his gritty, socially conscious films such as The Florida Project and Tangerine, steps into new territory with Anora. His decision to tell a Russian-American story through the lens of a Western filmmaker is bold, especially given the current geopolitical climate. But Baker’s strength lies in his ability to humanise his characters, no matter their background.
Anora feels, at times, like a modern Russian fable – a darkly comedic tale where the absurdity of life is met with a shrug and a wry smile. This is where Baker excels, crafting a narrative that feels both familiar and foreign. His use of humour to explore serious themes is a testament to his skill as a director. Even in its slower moments, the film keeps the audience engaged with sharp dialogue and vibrant visuals.
A Satirical Look at Wealth and Privilege
At its core, Anora is a satire of wealth and privilege. Vanya’s world is one of excess, where problems are solved with money, and relationships are transactional. Anora, on the other hand, represents the grit and determination of those on the margins of society. Her journey is one of survival, and her relationship with Vanya exposes the superficiality of his existence.
The film doesn’t shy away from the absurdities of the rich. Baker masterfully highlights the cultural clash between Anora and Vanya’s family, particularly in the scenes where Vanya’s parents, played by Serebryakov and Darya Ekamasova, arrive in New York to “fix” the situation. Their interactions are steeped in irony, as they struggle to comprehend why their son would marry someone so far removed from their world. In these moments, Anora becomes a biting critique of the oligarchic class and its detachment from reality.
The Influence of Russian Cinema
One cannot discuss Anora without acknowledging its roots in Russian cinema. While Baker is American, the film feels deeply influenced by the works of Russian filmmakers such as Karen Shakhnazarov and Dmitry Astrakhan. There’s a certain melancholy that permeates the film, reminiscent of the ‘90s era of Russian cinema – a time when films like The American Daughter and Poor Sasha captured the disillusionment of post-Soviet Russia.
Anora pays homage to this tradition, blending comedy with tragedy in a way that feels distinctly Russian. The film’s pacing, while at times slow, mirrors the long, drawn-out storytelling style found in many Russian classics. This is particularly evident in the film’s climactic moments, where the tension builds slowly, leaving the audience hanging on every word and gesture.
A Global Appeal
Despite its deeply Russian themes, Anora has a global appeal. Its exploration of class, immigration, and the search for identity resonates with audiences across cultures. The film’s inclusion in the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Palme d’Or, is a testament to its universal themes and Baker’s ability to craft a story that transcends borders.
As the film heads towards awards season, with an Oscar campaign already in motion, Anora stands as a reminder that great storytelling knows no boundaries. Its blend of humour, heart, and satire offers a fresh perspective on the immigrant experience in America, while also serving as a critique of the excesses of the wealthy.
Final Thoughts
Anora is a film that defies expectations. What begins as a quirky love story between a stripper and a billionaire’s son evolves into a sharp critique of wealth, class, and cultural identity. Sean Baker’s direction, combined with stellar performances from its cast, makes this film a standout in the current cinematic landscape. With its Russian soul and American heart, Anora is a film that will leave a lasting impression on audiences around the world.
