If there’s one film everyone is talking about this year, it’s “Anora”. Sean Baker‘s new work not only won over the critics, but also swept the Oscar 2025 Awards, taking home five statuettes: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing. With a budget of just $6 million, this independent production proved that good cinema doesn’t need million-dollar special effects to make its mark.
Plot: An intense and realistic story
“Anora” plunges us into the life of Anora ‘Ani’ Mikheeva, a twenty-something stripper working in a New York club. Her routine changes completely when she meets Vanya, the son of a Russian tycoon, who falls at her feet and promises her a world of luxury and comfort. What seems like the beginning of a fairy tale soon turns into a struggle against his powerful family, who will do everything possible to separate the couple and annul their marriage.
Sean Baker, with his characteristic style, delivers a raw and unfiltered account of power relationships, dreams and disillusionment. The story not only explores romance and family conflict, but also brings to the table deeper questions about identity, privilege and opportunity (or lack thereof) for those who come from below.
Sean Baker’s unmistakable stamp
If you’ve seen films like “The Florida Project” or “Red Rocket,” you already know that Baker has a knack for capturing the lives of characters who often fall by the wayside in traditional cinema. With “Anora,” the director continues in that vein, constructing a story with a striking realism and a sensibility that avoids clichés. The camera takes us to authentic places, the dialogues feel natural and the characters are as complex as anyone in real life.
One of the film’s great successes is its pace. There is no downtime or filler scenes. Every moment is charged with tension or emotion, making the nearly two-hour running time fly by.
Mikey Madison: an unforgettable performance
The Oscar for Best Actress was more than deserved for Mikey Madison, who plays Ani with a perfect blend of strength, vulnerability and authenticity. Her transformation throughout the film is impressive: from a young woman simply trying to survive to someone who must face decisions that will change her life forever. The chemistry with Mark Eidelstein, who brings Vanya to life, is another strength, making the relationship between the two feel genuine and complex.
Acknowledgements and legacy
“Anora” not only triumphed at the Oscars, but also took home the Palme d’Or at Cannes, cementing Sean Baker as one of the most important filmmakers of the moment. What makes this triumph even more special is that Baker joins the exclusive list of directors who have won four Oscars on the same night, an achievement only Bong Joon-ho had reached with “Parasite” in 2020.
This success reaffirms the importance of independent cinema and reminds us that, in a world dominated by franchises and blockbusters, there is still room for original stories that move and surprise audiences.
Conclusion: a film you can’t miss out on
If you haven’t seen “Anora” yet, put it on your bucket list. It is a film that will make you laugh, suffer and reflect, all at the same time. With impeccable direction, memorable performances and a story that feels authentic from beginning to end, it’s a clear example of why independent cinema is still more alive than ever. Undoubtedly one of the best films of the year and a testament to Sean Baker’s talent.
