Hearst Magazines and Yahoo have the potential to earn commission or revenue on certain items through the incorporation of links within their content. When it comes to stirring up Oscar buzz this year, aside from the highly anticipated “Wicked,” there is one film that stands out— “Anora.” This captivating movie centers around Mikey Madison’s portrayal of Ani, a dancer and sex worker from Brighton Beach, who impulsively ties the knot with Vanya (played by Mark Eydelshteyn), the adventurous son of a Russian oligarch. Throughout the film, the couple faces continuous interference from Vanya’s family who are determined to tear them apart.
Created by the talented Sean Baker, known for his work on “The Florida Project” and “Red Rocket,” “Anora” generated significant hype even before its release, ultimately culminating in a prestigious Palme d’Or win at Cannes. Below, discover all you need to know about this electrifying new film, including how to watch it and where to catch it on streaming platforms.
What is the storyline of “Anora”?
In a remarkable performance, Madison embodies Anora (also known as Ani), a young sex worker who finds herself entwined with a Russian man after a spontaneous marriage in Las Vegas. The relationship triggers a series of unexpected events, particularly when Vanya’s powerful oligarch family intervenes in an attempt to nullify their union.
The essence of “Anora” also shines through its costume design. Collaborating with a close-knit community of artists and creators, costume designer Jocelyn Pierce meticulously curated the wardrobe for the film. In a previous interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Pierce shared insights into the creative process, noting, “I think I’ve been in every shop on Coney Island Avenue at this point. We did so much shopping and sourcing in Bright Brighton Beach, which is eclectic. I couldn’t describe it with just one aesthetic. The shops on Coney Island Avenue offer a diverse range of styles; one may have puffy coats while the next could feature $600 coats or knock-off luxury brands. It’s truly fascinating.”
For Ani’s character, Pierce drew inspiration from her work environment, stating, “For Ani, we aimed to capture as much sparkle as possible for various reasons. Given that much of the film was shot in dimly lit clubs or vibrant party scenes with an abundance of lights, as well as nighttime street settings—and considering we used actual film that captures light differently.”
When and where can you stream “Anora”?
“Anora” made its theatrical debut on October 18 and is currently exclusively available in cinemas. However, the film’s distributor, Neon, has secured an exclusive streaming agreement with Hulu, ensuring that viewers can enjoy “Anora” on the platform once its cinematic run concludes.
