Anora Criterion 4K UHD Review
The Academy Award winning “Anora” gets the Criterion treatment.
Written and directed by Sean Baker, “Anora” revolves around an exotic dancer named Ani (AKA Anora) who lives in Brooklyn. One day while on the job, she meets a young Russian man named Ivan (AKA Vanya). Ivan offers Ani money to entertain him outside the club and she accepts. She discovers that Ivan is the son of a Russian oligarch. Ivan is a bit of an immature party animal, but Ani takes a liking to him. Ivan takes things a step further by hiring Ani to be his girlfriend for a week. The two have a blast together and wind up getting married in Las Vegas on a whim. It sounds like a fairy tale whirlwind romance, but it all comes crashing down. When news of the marriage reaches Ivan’s parents, Ivan’s godfather (Toros) and two henchmen (Igor and Garnik) are tasked with getting the marriage annulled and delivering Ivan to his parents. Ivan is set to return home and work for his father. A panicked Ivan takes off on his own like a coward and leaves Ani in a confused and traumatic state. Now, Toros, Igor, Garnik and Ani have to try and find Ivan somewhere in New York. Along the way, Igor and Ani begin to form an unlikely bond.
Throughout his filmography, Sean Baker has crafted stories about sex workers, porn actors, and outsiders and he continues to explore these subjects with “Anora.” Baker (who won a record 4 Oscars for his work here) stays true to his indie roots here (as he has promised to). He never compromises his vision and continues to be a true auteur. Much like his previous work, he has created a real character study here. Ani/Anora is a fiery, fearless, sexy young woman who is unafraid to stand up for herself or speak her mind despite everyone around here essentially dismissing her. Only Igor really sees her, but their dynamic is nothing if not complicated due to circumstances (no spoilers here). The story veers into tragedy territory as Ani’s hopes and dreams vanish. This culminates in a devastating and heartbreaking final scene that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
As much as Baker’s DNA is in the entire project from a visual and thematic standpoint, the cast elevates the entire project. Mikey Madison (who also won an Oscar for her role) gives a bold career defining performance. This is the type of role actors dream of and Madison truly commits to the part all the way through. It will be fascinating to see where her career goes next. Yura Borisov (who was a relative unknown) certainly caught the eye of film buffs as Igor. He may be a mere henchman on the job, but he has a heart and watches out for Ani. Karren Karagulian has worked with Baker on every project and he gets a real meaty role here as Toros. Mark Eydelshteyn excels as the spoiled and immature Ivan.
“Anora” is not without a few issues. There’s a bit too many montages and exhausting scenes of characters being hysterical. The middle act is also basically a chaotic search for Ivan which is a little underwhelming from a narrative perspective. Thankfully, these elements don’t detract from the fact that this is another winner from Sean Baker.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? The 4K digital master maintains the grain while also providing a sharp 4K transfer.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the thumping music to the heated arguments, this 5.1 track delivers.
Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* 2 commentary tracks. One by Sean Baker, Alex Coco, Samantha Quan and Drew Daniels and the other by Sean Baker and cast members Mikey Madison, Yura Borisov, Mark Eydelshteyn, Karren Karagulian and Vache Tovmasyan.
* A booklet with credits and essays by authors Dennis Lim and Kier-La Janisse.
* 7 ½ minutes of deleted scenes
* 3 trailers
* Audition footage of Darya Ekamasova, Vlad Mamai, Luna Sofia Miranda, Lindsey Normington, Vicnent Radwinsky, Vache Tovmasyan and Ivy Wolk.
* A short 2025 interview with Sean Baker who talks about authenticity, inspirations, and more.
* “Sean Baker And Mikey Madison”- A 2025 interview with the two who chat about making the opening sequence, the production, and Madison’s takes on making Ani come alive.
* “Anora: Stripped Down”- An extensive 67 minute behind-the-scenes documentary of the 40 day shoot with set footage, interviews, and so forth.
* The 2024 Cannes Press Conference with Sean Baker, Yura Borisov, Mikey Madison, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan and Mark Eydelshteyn.
* “Mikey Madison And Lindsey Normington”- A conversation between the two actresses moderated by dancer Laura Arbios after a screening (along with some additional footage in a car trip to the screening).
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment