TIFF 2024: Anora Movie Trailer
Anora: Sean Baker’s Raw, Unfiltered Look at Love, Lust, and Power at TIFF 2024
Sean Baker is back with a vengeance, and his new film Anora is already one of the most talked-about films at TIFF 2024. If you’ve been following Baker’s career (Tangerine, The Florida Project), you know he loves to zoom in on lives we rarely see on the big screen—and Anora is no exception. This time, we’re dropped into the gritty, chaotic world of Ani, a New York exotic dancer navigating a complex, high-stakes romance with the son of a Russian oligarch.
Meet Ani and Vanya: A Match Made in Chaos
At the heart of Anora is Ani (aka Anora at the club), played by Mikey Madison in a career-defining performance. Ani’s got street smarts, charm, and a hustle mentality—but that doesn’t mean she’s thriving. She lives in a crumbling Brooklyn apartment, rides the subway’s constant roar, and spends her nights working the pole and giving lap dances to pay the bills.
Then she meets Vanya. He’s young, loaded with cash, and totally clueless about the world Ani lives in. He’s the son of a Russian oligarch, tossing money around like it’s Monopoly cash. And Ani? She’s down to show him a good time. What starts as a transactional fling turns into a whirlwind romance where Ani’s suddenly living the kind of life she’s only ever fantasized about.
But here’s the catch: Vanya’s powerful family is watching, and things get messy fast. Soon, Ani’s holding onto her fantasy life with everything she’s got—literally gripping it with her long, pink fingernails—as it all starts to slip away.
Why You Need to See Anora
Sean Baker has built his career around stories that are as real as they get, and Anora is no different. The film doesn’t glamorize Ani’s world, but it doesn’t feel like a sob story either. It’s a raw, unflinching look at survival, love, and power—and how those lines can blur.
- Baker’s Signature Style: If you loved the realness of The Florida Project or Tangerine, Anora is going to hit hard. Baker blends handheld camera work with real locations, making you feel like you’re living alongside Ani. It’s intimate, gritty, and super immersive.
- Mikey Madison Owns the Screen: Madison’s portrayal of Ani is unforgettable. She’s tough, smart, and vulnerable all at once. You’ll be rooting for her, even when you know her escape might not be possible.
- That Unique Baker Mix of Comedy and Tragedy: One minute you’ll be laughing at Ani’s sharp comebacks, and the next, you’ll feel the weight of her struggles. The emotional highs and lows hit hard, keeping you hooked from start to finish.
The Vibe
Baker knows how to capture a vibe, and Anora is dripping with atmosphere. From neon-lit club scenes to quiet, tension-filled moments in Vanya’s world of privilege, the film swings between chaotic energy and anxious stillness. The music pumps, the camera moves fast, and you’re right there with Ani as her life unravels in slow motion.
What Makes It Different?
Anora isn’t just another “girl-meets-rich-boy” story. It digs into the power dynamics between the two, asking hard questions about control, desire, and what it means to really escape. Vanya might give Ani a taste of the high life, but at the end of the day, Ani knows that fantasy could collapse at any moment.
Showtimes for Anora at TIFF 2024:
- Saturday, September 7 | 9:30 am – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry)
- Sunday, September 8 | 8:00 pm – Royal Alexandra Theatre (Premium)
- Monday, September 9 | 8:30 pm – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Anora is the kind of film that sticks with you—raw, edgy, and emotionally charged. Sean Baker has once again delivered a story that hits hard with authenticity and depth, wrapped in a style that feels modern and alive. If you’re hitting TIFF, this is the film everyone’s going to be talking about, so don’t miss your chance to see it first.
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