Anora – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Anora – Under the Lights: Truth, Lies and Love

In the wake of a journey, what is it that we seek?  Within the unknown, it is a thought that moves things forward, opening avenues of truths before the lie.  These unfolding moments build up a story, one that can bring grounded experiences to the big screen.  In this review, I look at the latest Indie/Drama to hit the big screen.  A character piece of purpose, the centering of indulgence dives deep into what it means to really be … a person.  With characters wrapped in an unnerving relationship, Anora is an unorthodox look at what truly defines … what is love.  

When a young escort and an impulsive oligarch’s son fall for each other, their fairy tale romance upends their worlds … leading to an unforgettable journey of love, lost and truth.  To begin, please refer to the IMdb page for the full list of actors/actresses (link).  When it comes to journeys of love, it is a path where realistic overtures are intertwined with wishful thinking.  For any romantic tale, it usually ends up with one of these two outcomes: happily ever after or never forget because of (plot point).  Every so often, a romance will seem like one thing … but turn into something deeper than expected.  In the beginning, we get introduced to our titular character, following her exploits as a stripper in NYC.  After some comical (but realistic) banter, she is asked to dance for one of their regulars, Ivan.  This leads through scenes of general interactions, building up the unfocused narrative through the two characters.  After over-the-top moments and sexual exploits, Ivan asks Anora to be his exclusive.  From this decision, the journey leads through a slow burn directive, building up an intimacy through familiarity.  With this, the spotlight reveals certain truths: Ivan’s spastic behavior and Anora’s personal motives.  The oddity of their relationship becomes that grip, reeling you into their foolery and blinding from the causality of the moment.  As the sequences are ‘fairytale’ like, that blindness provides a ‘jolt’ of a crossroads moment … their impulsive decision to get married in Vegas.  Once this happens, it shifts the directive into a new dynamic … a retrospective about love.

The unfolding truth of the tale becomes a mirror for Anora and Ivan.  As their decision to ‘get married’ feels like the right thing, it also has severe consequences.  Seeing the aftermath unfold becomes a series of dramatic and comical hijinks that revel in the irony of identity.  Seeing Anora and Ivan ‘face the facts’ builds up the retrospective through themes of personal worth, societal norms and class systems.  As things continue to unravel, we head into a finale that puts truths and lies to the test, leading into a full circle climax and an ambiguous ending.  Anora is a film that goes beyond its foundation, bringing about entertainment through an experience of our own worth.  If you are a fan of original, romance or indie films, this is one for you.  This is a film that would have made my Top 10 list of 2024 … a film worth seeing on the big screen.

Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)