The highly anticipated movie “Anora,” which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, has made its debut in London, creating significant Oscars buzz for its breakout star, Mikey Madison. The film follows the story of a young woman working as a stripper in New York who embarks on a whirlwind romance with the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch.
Critics have raved about Madison’s performance in the lead role, with Screen Rant’s Patrice Witherspoon calling her a star and the Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw noting that she “owns the screen.” Despite not being a household name yet, Madison has previously appeared in notable films like Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and the “Scream” reboot.
Directed by Sean Baker, known for films like “Tangerine” and “The Florida Project,” “Anora” also features Mark Eidelstein and Karren Karagulian in key roles. Yura Borisov’s performance as Igor has also garnered praise, with potential for a best supporting actor nomination at the Oscars.
The film, which delves into the lives of sex workers, was developed with input from real-life consultants, including author Andrea Werhun. Madison, who immersed herself in the role by living in Brighton Beach and fine-tuning her accent, expressed admiration for Werhun’s memoir.
“Anora” has received glowing reviews, with critics praising Baker’s direction and the captivating performances of the cast. While some felt the film’s runtime could have been trimmed, overall, it has been hailed as a standout work from the acclaimed director.
As the Oscars race heats up, “Anora” is expected to be a major contender, with Madison’s performance and Baker’s direction drawing widespread acclaim. The film’s UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival has only added to the anticipation surrounding its awards season prospects.
