Anora is For Light: The Most Sincere Oscars Contender
When character’s journey matters.
There are many compelling aspects to this year’s Oscar nominee for Best Picture, "Anora." It’s not a crowd-pleasing film; its themes are uncomfortable and controversial. However, director Sean Baker presents the story in an incredibly raw and honest way. I’m thrilled that the movie is gaining momentum in the Oscars race after its win at the Critics’ Choice Awards. It’s wonderful to see such outstanding films being celebrated and appreciated, especially this year.
"Anora" opens with an extended sequence set in a strip club, where we follow Ani through her typical work routine. There’s no shame, tears, or hysterics; she is confident in what she does. Yet, like any regular job, it’s not perfect. The clients are rude, the pay is poor, and the boss is unfair. This is our first point of connection with Ani, as she faces the same challenges that many working people encounter daily.
When Anora meets Vanya, a new door opens for her. Her pursuit of him is not only about the money, although we can’t deny its significance; rather, it is about innocent excitement, childlike fun, and a sense of freedom from her worries that this partnership can bring. However, the idea of a perfect life clouds her judgment and leads her down an unfortunate path. Her mistake, which is not uncommon, is believing that a selfish and shallow person will change or act differently for her. In a scene where Vanya and Ani are on a flight to Las Vegas, he explains that his actions have nothing to do with her but everything to do with him. Despite the unfair circumstances, Anora fights for her dignity throughout her journey, even after much of it has been stripped away.
While we primarily view the story through Anora's perspective, we also gain insights into the viewpoints of the supporting characters. Whether it is an Armenian henchman simply trying to get through the day or the spoiled son of a Russian oligarch, we come to understand the motivations and backgrounds that shape their actions. Yes, Vanya may be a privileged, shallow brat, but he never attempts to convince us otherwise.
The second character the audience connects with most is Igor, a Russian henchman who seems unenthusiastic about certain aspects of his job. While he doesn’t mind creating chaos, he is not particularly excited about it, either. Igor feels defensive of Anora when he observes how poorly the Zakharov family treats her. Following their first unpleasant encounter, his objective is to regain her trust. Although Anora can see compassion in Igor’s eyes, that mission seems impossible until the very end.
The emotional, frustrating, and absurd journey eventually comes to a close. The last two scenes of the movie feel like a calm after the storm, serving as a slow build-up to Anora's emotional breakdown, where feelings peak. When Ani attempts to show her gratitude to Igor in the usual way—through sex—she is startled when he expresses genuine care for her with a kiss. Someone loves her for who she is, without sex. Someone cares about the meaning of her name. Someone lights two cigarettes instead of one.