By Anthony Caruso
Anora is one of those rare films that fully grabs its audience, holding them captive with its unique blend of romance, irreverent humor, and raw emotional depth. Neon has done it again, proving they are a powerhouse in modern cinema by bringing us this extraordinary film that skillfully balances modern storytelling with nods to the unrestrained spirit of classic cinema. With a clever, often raunchy script and powerhouse performances, Anora is not only unforgettable but easily the best film of 2024 so far.
This film thrives on its unpredictability, never allowing the audience to settle comfortably into any single genre or mood. On the surface, Anora is a romantic drama, but it’s packed with laugh-out-loud comedy that disarms viewers and leaves them vulnerable to the film’s poignant, intense climax. The story takes unexpected turns with reckless abandon and is a refreshing, bold step away from the formulaic plots that often populate romantic dramas today. The result is an experience that’s as wild and profane as it is beautifully constructed, feeling at once modern and like a nostalgic throwback to the audacious films of decades past.
Mikey Madison’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary. Her portrayal of Anora is layered, full of charisma, and endlessly magnetic, making it impossible not to root for her even as she navigates the film’s outrageous and often raunchy storyline. Madison brings a natural warmth and raw sexiness to the role, capturing the balance between strength and vulnerability with a rare authenticity. She cements herself as a force in Hollywood, and there’s little doubt this is an Oscar-worthy performance that will be talked about all season. This is Madison at her best—charismatic, profane, and deeply compelling.
Mark Eidelstein, meanwhile, delivers a stunning performance as Vanya, which starts playful and charming but takes a dark, antagonist turn as the story unfolds. His character arc is one of the film’s most surprising elements, and Eidelstein handles it with immense skill. He brings a sinister edge that heightens the film’s tension without overshadowing its comedic or romantic tones, marking him as one of the film’s greatest revelations. Eidelstein’s role as a character you lose all sympathy for by the end adds layers of emotional complexity, elevating the story beyond a simple love tale into a rich exploration of conflict and consequence.
Karren Karagulian, Yura Borisov, and Vache Tovmasyan round out the main cast as Toros, Igor, and Garnick, respectively. Together they have a hilarious dynamic as our Russian and Armenian henchmen that often evokes a Three Stooges-esque vibe, injecting moments of levity and providing a lighthearted counterbalance to the film’s heavier themes. Each of these actors brings a distinctive energy, and together, they deliver some of the film’s most memorable scenes. Their camaraderie and comedic timing keep the film buoyant, enhancing the story’s rhythm and helping to deliver an effective balm to the seriousness of the dramatic story that runs throughout.
While Anora is full of humor and charm, it doesn’t shy away from a powerful, somber ending that hits hard. It’s a testament to the film’s brilliance that, after such a lively ride, the audience I saw it with was left in stunned silence, processing the weight of what just unfolded. This contrast, between its uproarious humor and gut-wrenching conclusion, is a mark of sophisticated storytelling that elevates Anora from enjoyable to unforgettable.
Anora is nothing less than a marvel. It is both a masterpiece and a triumph. This is not only one of the most original films of the year but also one that will undoubtedly leave an enduring impact on its audience. Without a doubt, it's a classic in the making and is deserving of every accolade it’s received and is bound to receive come Awards Season. This is a must-watch and a film I eagerly look forward to revisiting again once it hits digital.