Reviews
Anora
Reviewed by Ian Payne
One of the best things about Keswick Film Club is that its screenings take you to places where you might never otherwise go – Mongolia, China or Bhutan for example. Or indeed those bars and strip joints of New York, frequented by the drug taking, binge drinking offspring of Russian oligarchs.
The film's full-on depiction of that environment in the early scenes was not to everyone's taste but behind the flesh, the booze and the blow, 'Anora' had a gripping tale to tell.
Anora 'I prefer Ani' is a sex worker, an erotic dancer whose knowledge of Russian meant she was first in line to accompany young Ivan, 'call me Vanya' as he splashed the cash.
Vanya is delighted with the many talents that Ani can offer and spends thousands of dollars to have her exclusive attention. Ani for her part is happy to go along with it, experiencing a lifestyle that she couldn't have dreamt of. When he proposes marriage during a trip to Vegas, Ani agrees, and the deed is done. Can it be love?
Cue panic from Vanya's minders, who were supposed to be keeping an eye on him and are fearful of the retribution coming their way as Vanya's terrifying parents fire up the private jet and head to the USA to have the marriage annulled.
Vanya slips the leash again and Ani is left to face the consequences alone. The Armenian minders bring an almost Shakespearean comedic turn, as the hunt for Vanya proceeds.
It wasn't love, at least on Vanya's part, and Ani finally sees him for what he is, and she is determined to come out of the deal ahead.
Central to almost every scene is Mikey Madison in an electrifying performance as Ani. Her transformation over the course of the film from painted showgirl to bare-faced survivor to a vulnerable young woman is a tour de force.
The film's full-on depiction of that environment in the early scenes was not to everyone's taste but behind the flesh, the booze and the blow, 'Anora' had a gripping tale to tell.
Anora 'I prefer Ani' is a sex worker, an erotic dancer whose knowledge of Russian meant she was first in line to accompany young Ivan, 'call me Vanya' as he splashed the cash.
Vanya is delighted with the many talents that Ani can offer and spends thousands of dollars to have her exclusive attention. Ani for her part is happy to go along with it, experiencing a lifestyle that she couldn't have dreamt of. When he proposes marriage during a trip to Vegas, Ani agrees, and the deed is done. Can it be love?
Cue panic from Vanya's minders, who were supposed to be keeping an eye on him and are fearful of the retribution coming their way as Vanya's terrifying parents fire up the private jet and head to the USA to have the marriage annulled.
Vanya slips the leash again and Ani is left to face the consequences alone. The Armenian minders bring an almost Shakespearean comedic turn, as the hunt for Vanya proceeds.
It wasn't love, at least on Vanya's part, and Ani finally sees him for what he is, and she is determined to come out of the deal ahead.
Central to almost every scene is Mikey Madison in an electrifying performance as Ani. Her transformation over the course of the film from painted showgirl to bare-faced survivor to a vulnerable young woman is a tour de force.