Each year, cinephiles anticipate which film will win the coveted Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. This year, that prize was awarded to American filmmaker Sean Baker's project, Anora. It's hard to fit Anora neatly into one box. It's part romantic comedy, part drama, and part crime thriller. Spanning so many genres would lead to some films feeling scattered and incohesive, but it worked here.
Anora's life takes a dramatic twist when she impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, catapulting her from the streets of Brooklyn to a world of opulence and scrutiny. As her new in-laws arrive with plans to dismantle the hasty union, Anora must navigate the cultural and social chasms between her past and her present. The film, directed by Sean Baker, masterfully blends sharp social commentary with heartfelt drama, painting a vivid picture of love, identity, and the unexpected consequences of a fairytale gone awry.
- IMDb ID
- tt28607951
- TMDB User Rating
- 0 .0
- Release Date
- October 18, 2024
- Cast
- Mikey Madison , Mark Eydelshteyn , Karren Karagulian , Yuriy Borisov , Vache Tovmasyan , Ivy Wolk , Luna Sofía Miranda , Ross Brodar , Lindsey Normington , Darya Ekamasova , Emily Weider , Alena Gurevich , Masha Zhak , Paul Weissman , Charlton Lamar , Aleksey Serebryakov , Ella Rubin , Vincent Radwinsky , Michael Sergio , Brittney Rodriguez , Sophia Carnabuci , Anton Bitter , Zoë Vnak
- Runtime
- 139 Minutes
Anora follows the titular character, who goes by Ani (played by Mikey Madison). She is an exotic dancer and sex worker from Brooklyn who gets wrapped up in a tumultuous love affair with a Russian billionaire. When the end credits put a cap on Ani's story, many viewers are left wanting more. Whether you're after nuanced portrayals of sex work, feisty protagonists, humor mixed with drama, or any number of things Anora offers, here are 13 movies that may satisfy that craving.
13 'X: Night of Vengeance' (2011)
X: Night of Vengeance is an Australian thriller following two sex workers. Holly is a high-priced call girl working in Sydney before a client takes her to Paris. She runs into Shay, a young runaway who is prostituting on the streets. Holly recruits Shay for a job where they end up witnessing a murder. If they can't outrun the perpetrator, they may be next.
Under the Radar
Like in Anora, the main character here gets caught up in a world way more dangerous and volatile than she anticipated. X: Night of Vengeance flew under the radar both in Australia and domestically. However, it's never too late to find a hidden gem. With its fast pacing and pressure-cooker situations, it's one many viewers would enjoy.
12 'Girl Lost' (2018)
Girl Lost
- Director
- Robin Bain
- Cast
- Felix Ryan , Jessica Taylor Haid , Emily Cheree , Robin Bain , James Seaman , Misha Suvorov , Evana Alexeeva , Madison Casas , Nicole I. Butler , George Capacete , Ginny Jones , Laura Lee Cebrick , Allyson Amber , Avi Bernard
Girl Lost is about a fifteen-year-old girl named Shara who lives in Los Angeles with her mother. Shara's mom is an escort but believes it's time to slow down on her work as she ages. But her mom isn't done with the business just yet. She encourages Shara to sell her body and this leads the teenager down a destructive path.
A Grim Reality
Tonally, Girl Lost is a lot more serious and darker than Anora. However, viewers who appreciate the freedom smaller films often have will enjoy Girl Lost as well. Certain scenes are tough to watch, and the filmmaker made sure to portray Shara's reality while not dehumanizing her.
11 'Working Girls' (1986)
Working Girls depicts the lives of several sex workers at a Manhattan brothel. There's Yale graduate Molly who needs this job to support her and her girlfriend. Gina dreams of owning a boutique. Dawn is putting herself through college. Then we have Lucy, the madam who isn't the most eagle-eyed boss.
Not as Raunchy
This film has a decidedly lighter tone than several others on this list. Working Girls is only filmmaker Lizzie Borden's second project. Despite the principal setting being a brother and the profession of the main characters, it's not overtly sexual. If Anora was a bit too explicit for some viewers, Working Girls can be a great alternative.
11 Unintentionally Funny '80s Movies
From Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare to The Intruder, these are the films that were (probably) not meant to make you roll your eyes and laugh so hard.
10 'Belle de Jour' (1967)
Belle de Jour is the oldest film on this list, but it is timeless. Based on a 1928 novel, it centers on Séverine Serizy, by all accounts a typical housewife. While she has a fondness for her husband, she is unsatisfied sexually and wishes for more. When she hears about someone in her circle taking up work at a brothel, her curiosity is piqued.
Is It All Just a Dream?
This French film is subdued in the right ways and unrelenting in others. It plays with dreams to tie into Séverine's secrets, desires, and wishes, veering the movie into the surrealism category. The ending is bound to drum up conversation or send viewers to the internet to read others' interpretations, similar to that of Anora's ending.
9 'Whore' (1991)
Whore
- Director
- Ken Russell
- Cast
- Benjamin Mouton , Theresa Russell , Antonio Fargas , Elizabeth Morehead , Daniel Quinn , Sanjay Chandani , Jason Saucier , Michael Crabtree , Jered Barclay , Doug MacHugh , Amanda Goodwin , Frank Smith , Jason Kristofer , Robert O'Reilly , Ginger Lynn Allen , Charles Macaulay , Jack Nance , Tom Villard , John Carlyle , Scott David-King , Stephanie Blake , Alisa Christensen , John Diehl , Gail McMullen , Bob Prupas
- Release Date
- June 21, 1991
British filmmaker Ken Russell was known for pushing the envelope and such is the case in his 1991 movie Whore. It follows Liz, a "street prostitute," who has become jaded during her time in this line of work. Told in a documentary format, Liz breaks the fourth wall to clue viewers in on her harrowing past and present experiences.
Many people rejected this film due to its NC-17 rating and depiction of prostitution. This rating and subsequent banning in certain countries contributed to its poor box office performance. People associated with Whore have protested the rating, telling the Los Angeles Times, "The public gets the wrong idea, thinking it will be pornographic. It’s not."
8 'The Players Club' (1998)
The Players Club
- Release Date
- April 10, 1998
The Players Club revolves around an ambitious woman named Diana. She wants to attend college and better her life, but the hefty tuition is a major hurdle. She decides to start stripping and adopts the stage name Diamond. The film shows the friendships, relationships, and rivalries she has with those who frequent the club.
Newcomer Energy
This film is Ice Cube's directorial debut and there are definite areas that could've used a more deft hand, particularly when it comes to the portrayal and mistreatment of women. It's also actress LisaRaye McCoy's first leading role and like Madison in Anora, is one of the movie's bright spots.
7 'Showgirls' (1995)
- Release Date
- September 22, 1995
Showgirls is a divisive erotic drama following a young woman named Nomi. She hitchhikes to Las Vegas with dreams of being a dancer and showgirl. However, to survive financially in the interim, she begins stripping. Nomi is soon pulled into the club's cutthroat environment as she navigates a budding romance.
Flawed and Fascinating
The acting isn't amazing, nor is the writing. The characterization is problematic and the messaging gets muddled. Some would say that the only good thing about the film is its impeccable hair, makeup, and fashion styling. Yet nearly three decades on people still watch it, despite the controversy. Showgirls is infectious. It might make you a little sick, but the unrelenting energy and campiness make it hard to look away.
Will Showgirls 2 Ever Happen?
Showgirls director Paul Verhoven opens up about the possibility of a sequel and how Charlize Theron almost took the lead.
6 'Sleeping Beauty' (2011)
Sleeping Beauty (2011) has nothing to do with a man turning into a beast. Rather, this Australian drama follows a college student named Lucy. She takes up various jobs to stay afloat, but her latest one is the most bizarre. She joins a group where men pay to sleep next to naked women who must obey their sexual desires, which include being unconscious.
Why It's Great
This is a trippy film. The concept seems so far-fetched at first, but it's not played as ridiculous and at times feels like it can venture into the horror category. It's a fascinating character study with beautiful cinematography. Anora undoubtedly moves at a quicker clip, but both feature complex characters and intentional filmmaking choices that cinephiles will eat up.
5 'Spring Breakers' (2013)
- Release Date
- January 24, 2013
Spring Breakers is a crime comedy about four college friends whose spring break takes a turn for the unexpected. Faith, Candy, Cotty, and Brit are bummed their lack of money will prevent them from celebrating spring break. But Brit and Candy have a plan! Don ski masks, flash fake guns, and rob a restaurant. Unfortunately, that's only the start of these hectic few days, as they meet a drug dealer named Alien.
Cringe Comedy
Most people wouldn't call Spring Breakers "nuanced" or "subtle." The jokes are a bit cringe and the characterization isn't as fleshed out as in Anora. Yet there's a reckless fun present in both films. Whenever viewers feel like Spring Breakers is taking itself too seriously, they remind us how pulpy it is by some ridiculous plot point or absurd line.
Best Women Heist Movies, Ranked
These characters are the essence of women empowerment and have made their mark in the crime genre. Let's take a look at the best women heist films.
4 'Climax' (2018)
Set in 1996, Climax is about the members of a French dance troupe who are rehearsing for a performance. After a good night of practice, they decide to celebrate and one of their rewards is sangria. Unbeknownst to them, it's spiked with LSD and sends them all into a hallucinatory state.
Time to Party
On the surface, this one feels the furthest from Anora. It's not about sex work, for one. However, both highlight a group of people who seem totally different than the average viewer. It also shows how a night of bad decisions, drugs, and alcohol can have intense and devastating consequences. Did you wish Anora featured more club scenes? Climax is a great solution.
3 'Hustlers' (2019)
- Director
- Lorene Scafaria
- Release Date
- September 12, 2019
Hustlers is a ripped-from-the-headlines film based on a 2015 New York Magazine article. Dorothy returns to stripping after the financial crisis of 2007 impacts her, and she becomes a mother. She reconnects with an old friend and with other dancers decides to pull off a scheme to steal from their wealthy clients.
What to Look Forward To
This film, co-produced by Jennifer Lopez, features an ensemble cast that includes Lopez, Constance Wu, Keke Palmer, and Lili Reinhart. Hustlers has much to say about wealth, class, and sex but does it all within a glittery, fun facade. Many consider it some of Lopez' best work from either side of the camera.
14 Best Movies Based on Magazine and Newspaper Articles, Ranked
There have been magazine and newspaper articles that have produced thought-provoking stories that were turned into movies. Here are the best ones.
2 'Tangerine' (2015)
It makes sense that another one of Baker's movies would make the list. Anora was not his first foray into the world of sex work. Tangerine follows a transgender sex worker who goes by Sin-Dee Rella. It's Christmas Eve and she learns her pimp boyfriend is a two-timer. Sin-Dee makes her way through Los Angeles to confront her boyfriend and his mistress.
Two of a Kind
Just as in his other film, Baker balances humor with high-stakes drama so well. Tangerine leans into the humor a bit more but doesn't shy away from nasty realities in Sin-Dee's line of work. Who knows if Sin-Dee and Ani from Anora would get along? However, it's no doubt they'd be two of the most captivating people in the room.
1 'Zola' (2021)
A stripper named Zola embarks on a wild road trip to Florida.
- Release Date
- June 30, 2021
If you were on Twitter in 2015, you may recall a viral thread about a stripper’s intense friendship with a fellow dancer. Zola follows this story. After meeting at a Detroit strip club, Stefani invites Zola to Florida where they can make more money dancing. Soon, Zola's entangled in a toxic situation involving Stefani, her boyfriend, and her pimp who wants them to do more than strip.
Stripped of Safety
Besides both films being named after the main character, Zola and Anora balance humor and drama exceptionally well. Stefani’s exaggerated personality borders on caricature, yet Riley Keough delivers it convincingly. Meanwhile, Zola is street-smart and tough, but she's not infallible. Viewers are anxious throughout for her safety as danger looms around every corner.
Comments
Post a Comment