I Saw Anora Last Night

This is what I thought...

Good morning everyone. Short letter today because I’m really busy.

I saw Sean Baker’s new film ‘Anora’ last night at Angelika in Soho.

It was in 35mm if any NYU film school grads are reading this.

I was highly anticipating this film, partially because I adore Baker’s previous filmography and partially because it won the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival.

Set mostly in Brighton Beach, the film follows a dancer/sex worker named Anora (played by Mikey Madison, who is going to be a star) getting married to the immature son of a Russian oligarch, after a debaucherous sex and party filled 2 week tryst, and the complications that arise when his rich parents discover this.

Frantically paced, incredibly funny, and shockingly sweet— the film was really superb.

The audience in my theatre was roaring with laughter throughout the film.

Mikey Madison delivers a standout performance, but really every single character in this movie is stunningly portrayed with such nuance and realism.

The ending of this film says a lot without saying much— It reminds me a bit of how I felt after watching Uncut Gems.

I am not here to unpack the layers of the movie, I’ll leave that to Red Scare.

But I do just want to say its a great movie and you should all see it this weekend.

4.5/5

Okay bye!

---

Jake Bell is a brand consultant, creative strategist, designer, and writer based in NYC.

He specializes in brand building, content strategy, creative direction, business development, and making things cool.

Want to chat? Email me: jake@jb.studio