How Sean Baker’s Anora Redefines Comedy and Social Commentary

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(Warning: Spoilers in video.)

Sean Baker’s Anora (2024) is more than just a dark comedy—it’s a social dissection wrapped in a whirlwind of chaotic, handheld realism. The film’s narrative follows Anora, a Brooklyn stripper who finds herself swept up in an unexpected and wildly unpredictable series of events after marrying Vanya, the son of a powerful Russian oligarch. While Baker is known for his intimate, street-level storytelling (The Florida Project, Red Rocket), Anora takes his signature style and applies it to themes of power, personal honor, and survival in a world that constantly objectifies its protagonist.

What makes Anora stand out isn’t just its compelling lead character or biting humor—it’s how it evolves as it unfolds. The film begins with an overwhelming flash and shimmer, booming music, and loud personalities, but as the story progresses, it subtly strips itself down—mirroring Anora’s own unraveling circumstances.

A Hustler’s Guide to Survival

Anora (Mikey Madison) is a quick-witted, fiercely independent stripper in Brooklyn who knows how to navigate the world around her. When she meets Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the naïve yet privileged son of a Russian oligarch, their whirlwind romance quickly escalates into a spontaneous marriage. But what starts as an impulsive fairytale quickly spirals into a high-stakes power struggle when Vanya’s family—led by his controlling mother—hunts them down to annul the marriage by any means necessary.

As Anora attempts to outmaneuver the forces trying to control her, the film transitions from dark comedy to a gripping commentary on autonomy, class, and the transactional nature of relationships.

The Subtle Dismantling of Excess

At the start of Anora, Baker fills the screen with vibrant lights, loud music, and extravagant settings—fully immersing the audience in Anora’s world. But as the story progresses, the glitter fades, the soundtrack becomes almost nonexistent, and even the dialogue softens. The result? A slow but deliberate tonal shift that underscores Anora’s evolving reality, stripping away the distractions until all that’s left is the raw truth of her situation.

Power and Objectification: A Personal Story

Many films have explored societal hierarchies, but what makes Anora uniquely compelling is how it presents the different ways men objectify women—particularly through the contrast between Vanya and his mother.

• Vanya treats Anora like a prized possession, a trophy he can parade around, mistaking privilege for love.

• His mother, on the other hand, sees Anora as a problem to be dealt with, someone whose autonomy can be erased with enough money and force.

Watching Anora navigate these two opposing forces highlights her hustler’s mindset, making her one of the most pragmatic and resourceful protagonists in recent cinema.

The Comedy of Social Reactions

Baker’s signature social comedy thrives in Anora, especially in group settings where the audience’s reaction becomes part of the experience. Watching it in a packed theater creates a ripple effect, where the discomfort and absurdity of certain scenes are amplified by collective laughter. This makes it a film that demands a communal viewing experience—something that might not translate as well for solo viewers at home.

Cinematography: Handheld Chaos

Sean Baker’s choice to use handheld cameras places the audience right in the middle of the chaos. The shaky, unfiltered realism makes moments of yelling, arguing, and panicked decision-making feel immediate and immersive, capturing the unpredictability of Anora’s world. His signature long, continuous shots heighten the tension, forcing the viewer to sit in the discomfort of each moment rather than cutting away to something more palatable.

A Masterclass in Foreshadowing

We need to talk about the ending. Anora doesn’t just stick the landing—it elevates the entire film.

• Igor’s final moments feel both predetermined and surprising, the culmination of carefully laid breadcrumbs throughout the film.

• The courtroom confrontation is the perfect climax, balancing tension, absurdity, and raw emotional weight.

• The shifting tones—from neon-lit clubs to sterile legal settings—mirror Anora’s arc, reminding us how fleeting power can be when it’s built on unstable ground.

Final Verdict: Why Anora (2024) Is One of Sean Baker’s Best Films

Sean Baker has crafted something truly special with Anora—a film that is funny, biting, and deeply human. With a standout performance from Mikey Madison, a cleverly evolving tone, and an ending that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, it cements itself as one of the most unique and compelling films of 2024.

You’ll love this film if:

You enjoy sharp, socially charged comedies with unexpected depth.

You appreciate handheld realism and long, immersive takes.

You want a story that balances humor with real stakes.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Pros: A brilliantly written protagonist, immersive cinematography, a pitch-perfect ending.

Cons: Might not be as effective when watched alone; the tonal shifts could be jarring for some viewers.

Did the ending catch you off guard? How did you feel about Vanya and his mother’s roles in the story? Let’s break it down—comment below and share your thoughts!