Cover All about ‘Anora’, the critically-acclaimed film and Oscars contender (Photo: Neon)
All about ‘Anora’, the critically-acclaimed film and Oscars contender (Photo: Neon)
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Learn more about ‘Anora’, the film that won the Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival
Sean Baker’s Anora has received reviews for its honest and unflinching depiction of ambition. A contemporary take on the American Dream, the film follows its titular character, nicknamed ‘Ani’, a young Uzbek-American stripper from Brooklyn who impulsively marries Vanya, the spoiled son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. It explores the thrilling journey of its protagonist as she navigates a life transformed almost overnight and has to deal with this decision’s consequences.
At a glance, Anora is a rags-to-riches story set against a wash of neon and glitter and the backdrop of Manhattan nightlife. It has all the quintessential trappings of a coming-of-age film. However, it doesn’t shy away from its more serious themes of exploitation and inequality.
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Baker’s direction and commitment to realism shine through with vibrant visuals that capture the intense few weeks of Ani’s new life. The filmmakers consulted real-life exotic dancers to accurately portray the protagonist’s profession on screen, resulting in a stylised yet authentic take on a world deemed taboo by polite society. From the trailer alone, one can note how the film embraces the allure and challenges of Ani’s profession while remaining grounded in its realistic challenges.
Anora boasts a stellar cast, led by Mikey Madison as Ani and promising newcomer Mark Eidelstein, who plays Vanya. The duo’s chemistry underscores the impulsive nature of Ani’s decision, giving depth to this seemingly idyllic romance.
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While a release date for the Philippines is yet to be announced, Anora quickly gained international attention after winning the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The film is reportedly receiving notable Oscars buzz, especially for Madison’s portrayal of Ani and Baker’s directing style.
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
