This is like a modern take on the Cinderella story that works as a deconstruction of the classic fairy tale, providing a more realistic approach to the story as experienced through the eyes of a young sex worker who gets involved with the son of a Russian oligarch. Unlike Cinderella, Anora is dark, twisted and much more grounded in reality. We're reminded since the very first scene that fairy tales simply don't exist in real life, therefore we know that despite momentary lapses of joy, this fabricated fantasy is not going to end well because life isn't a fairy tale. Anora is certainly an intriguing character to follow through, even though the film doesn't really expand on her background. Despite her defensive, abrasive exterior, there's a certain naivety and vulnerability to this character that's wonderfully portrayed by Mikey Madison in what may be one of the finest performances of the year. Her character is craving for human connection and stability, desperately trying to survive in a world where true human connection has been lost and replaced by transactional relationships. When Vanya proposes to her, she sees an opportunity to escape her reality and start a new life, just like when Prince Charming "rescued" Cinderella from her abusive situation to marry her and take her to his castle. By the way, this guy who plays Vanya delivers such a convincing performance as this selfish, immature, spoiled brat who only cares about partying, sex and drugs—so convincing that I didn't even feel he was acting at all. The rest of the performances are excellent as well.

I truly ire Sean Baker's ability to create such layered stories showing the harsh realities of marginalised people in a way that doesn't feel shallow or exploitative. There's genuine care for these characters and their stories are told with empathy and understanding whilst bringing such level of authenticity that his films often feel more like documentaries than actual works of fiction, which is exactly why his films are so special, because of how authentic they feel, to the point that he even usually hires non-professional actors to add to that realism on screen. Anora is another audacious, raw, provocative, unapologetic, true to life piece of character-driven drama. Baker's longest film to date, but I was so immersed in the story that I didn't even feel the length. It actually reminded me a bit of Uncut Gems just for how intense and chaotic it gets. I found the film quite funny and just as profoundly sad, and I wasn't expecting such a powerful, brilliantly devastating ending. It was simply perfect.