Anora (2024)

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​Don't call her Anora! She goes by Ani and she found herself a rich boy.  He might be on the spectrum, but he's got a nice smile and lots of cash. They get married in Las Vegas the way young and free souls do. They spend evenings in his mansion smoking weed, playing PlayStation, having sex. Director Sean Baker (Florida Project) always captures moments so relatable you can place yourself in the scene. He presents the world as it is and therefore this wonderful but shallow reality comes crashing down as expected. Baker crafts one of the best scenes of the year with the help of the incredibly talented cast led by Mikey Madison (Ani) diverting the story into a gut wrenchingly funny yet shockingly raw struggle between Ani and the suspicious associates of Ivan's parents. While the 1st half of the film is a fun and sexy Cinderella story, the 2nd half becomes a hilarious dark comedy with big laughs as Garnick, Igor, and Ani get drug around searching for Ivan. Garnicks pain and Igor's awkwardness service as extended jokes while Ani fights tooth and nail to keep her Cinderella lifestyle in grasp. Her bravery and passion through this hopeless and potentially dangerous adventure make Ani hard not to love. By the end, you'll just want to give her a big hug and a shoulder to cry on. This reminded me very much of 2019's dizzying Uncut Gems, which I also loved, except Anora has much more charm than Howard. However, both will keep you in your seat long after the credits with your jaw dropped.

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