“Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, is a compelling drama centered on Anora, a young sex worker from Brooklyn who experiences a Cinderella-like transformation upon marrying the son of a Russian oligarch. However, her fairytale is disrupted when the oligarch’s family intervenes, demanding an annulment. The story explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and resilience.
Filming Locations
Principal photography for Anora took place in Brooklyn, New York, at the start of 2023. Key scenes were filmed in local restaurants, clubs, and iconic neighborhoods, providing an authentic backdrop. For the Zakharov mansion, production used a luxurious property in Mill Basin, once owned by a real-life Russian oligarch.
| Directed by | Sean Baker |
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| Written by | Sean Baker |
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| Cinematography | Drew Daniels |
| Edited by | Sean Baker |
| Music by | Matthew Hearon-Smith |
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Production
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| Distributed by | Neon |
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Release dates
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Running time
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139 minutes |
| Country | United States |
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| Budget | $6 million |
| Box office | $23.4 million |
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Cast
- Mikey Madison as Anora “Ani” Mikheeva, the titular character
- Yuriy Borisov as Igor, a henchman with a pivotal role
- Mark Eydelshteyn as Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov, the oligarch’s son
- Supporting cast includes Ivy Wolk, Darya Ekamasova, and Karren Karagulian.
Director
Sean Baker, known for his socially conscious films like The Florida Project and Tangerine, directed and co-wrote Anora. His approach combines meticulous research and authentic storytelling to highlight marginalized communities.
The film premiered at Cannes and garnered critical acclaim, with a 98% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of October 2024.
