Anora (2024)

My Review

The Best Picture of 2024 is…..”Anora.” This romantic comedy-drama is the story of a young woman from Brooklyn who gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and marries the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her plans are in danger as the parents head for New York to get the marriage annulled. Director-screenwriter Sean Baker (“The Florida Project” 2017) put together a riveting drama/black comedy with great writing and marvelous performances.

The cast includes Mikey Madison in the title role, Mark Eydelshteyn as the wealthy son, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulien, Vache Tovmasyan, Lindsay Normington, Michael Sergio, and Aleksei Serebryakov and Darya Ekamasova as the boy’s parents. The watchable “Anora” has been a big hit at the box office for producer Sean Baker, FilmNation Entertainment, Cre Film, and Neon.

“Anora” won five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Madison), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Warning: The film contains excessive nudity, language, and depictions of drug use, especially in the first half hour.