"Sean Baker presents another strong female lead, showcasing that female characters can be both complex and multifaceted, embodying strength and fragility in equal measure"

The surprise winner of this year’s Palme d’Or at Cannes, Anora is Sean Baker’s latest romantic comedy—a modern twist on Cinderella meets Pretty Woman in a Gen Z world.

The story centres on Ani, short for Anora, a young exotic dancer who is friendly, opinionated and unapologetic about her profession; she enjoys her job and the fun it brings, embracing her unconventional lifestyle as long as it pays the bills.

One night, Ani meets Vanya, the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. He speaks primarily Russian, with only a smattering of English. Since Ani has Russian roots, she’s chosen to spend time with him. Sharing the same age, they connect quickly, and Vanya decides to be her exclusive client for two weeks. However, those two weeks lead to a whirlwind marriage in Las Vegas, driven by Vanya’s impulsive desire to escape his obligations in Russia.

Every Cinderella story needs a villain, and in this case, it’s Vanya’s overbearing parents—especially his mother—who swiftly send a fixer to rectify the situation. This sets off a series of bizarre and comedic events as Vanya “bravely” flees, leaving Ani to fight for her unexpected Vegas marriage alone.

For audiences familiar with Baker’s work, Anora feels like a refreshing departure. While it touches on the struggles of underprivileged young women selling their bodies, it does so with irony and humour, avoiding a narrative of victimhood. Ani is portrayed as clever and resilient, refusing to be diminished by Vanya’s parents’ attempts to shame her.

Mikey Madison delivers a standout performance, proving that her role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was no fluke. 

She captures Ani’s confidence, determination, and vulnerability with remarkable nuance, drawing the audience into her journey. Madison embodies a siren-like charm that makes viewers genuinely care about Ani’s story until the very end.

The film maintains a steady stream of comedy and absurdity, enhancing its ironic tone. Yet, it culminates in a poignant moment, reminding us that beneath Ani’s tough exterior lies a young woman still searching for her fairy tale—a little girl who believes in love.

With Anora, Sean Baker presents another strong female lead, showcasing that female characters can be both complex and multifaceted, embodying strength and fragility in equal measure.