13/45

Scenario

Anora, a young sex worker from Brooklyn, impulsively meets and marries the son of an oligarch

As soon as the news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is threatened as his parents head to New York to annul the marriage. IMDb editor Arno Kazarian offers quick summaries of 12 films screening at the 2024 New York Film Festival, including the dangerous and curiously erotic Anora and Misericordia. At the Cannes Film Festival press conference, Mikey Madison said that director Sean Baker will play different sex positions with his wife, producer Samantha Quan, to show the actors what he wants to do.

Referenced in Close-Up: Anora (2024)

Igor: PLEASE! STOP! SCREAM!.

The setup is compelling

Mikey Madison plays the title role, a New York City dancer. Then the story draws us in. She recklessly marries (the immature son of a Russian oligarch) and then finds herself in a terrible bind.

There’s a standout performance from Madison, but all the performances are good

Excessive nudity and sex are not in vogue in a mainstream film, but both this and the grand drama—which is increasingly comic—have a rare vibrancy. The incredible locations—Las Vegas and Coney Island in the off-season—are expertly captured. At over two hours, it’s too long, but it almost holds your attention because you don’t know how it’s going to end.

The conclusion is not a disappointment

The London Film Festival screenings sold out, and I’m not surprised. This is dynamic stuff from a fearless director. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival, and more.