'Anora': The Fairytale That Turns Into a Modern Nightmare

OSCARS 2025

Sean Baker introduces us to Anora, his latest work, a film that not only confirms his talent as one of the great visual storytellers of our time but also cements him as a master of contemporary cinema. After gems like The Florida Project and Tangerine, Baker takes us on a journey that begins as a fairytale, only to completely disarm us in its second half. If The Florida Project was an anthem to broken childhoods, Anora is a chaotic ballad about the dreams and disillusions of adulthood.

“Life is like the movies” vs. “Movies are like life”
The narrative structure of Anora is one of its greatest strengths. The first half of the film immerses us in a dreamlike universe, where Baker’s vibrant colors and ethereal cinematography transform Brooklyn into a magical setting. It’s almost as if we are watching a movie within a movie: a world where love can solve everything and where problems are overshadowed by the thrill of the moment.

However, the second half takes a radical turn. The dreamlike atmosphere dissolves, leaving behind a raw and visceral portrait of cultural, class, and power conflicts. Baker spares no punches when it comes to demystifying the initial romance, leaving us with a bitter reflection: fairytales are beautiful but are destined to shatter when they collide with reality.

It’s not far-fetched to think that Anora will be one of the major contenders in the upcoming awards season. The film combines an accessible narrative with thematic depth that will resonate with both audiences and critics. Personally, I hope it surpasses Emilia Pérez and snatches a few golden statuettes.

One of the film’s biggest surprises is Ivan, brilliantly portrayed by an actor who effortlessly moves between comedy and drama. In the first half, it’s hard not to fall for his charm. He’s the modern Prince Charming: rebellious, fun, and seemingly uninterested in his family’s traditions. However, as the story progresses, Ivan is revealed to be a deeply selfish and toxic character—someone who manipulates and destroys everything in his path without ever taking responsibility. By the end, it’s impossible not to hate him, a testament to the script’s quality and the actor’s performance.

Anora is an emotional journey that makes you fall in love, breaks your heart, and leaves you pondering long after the credits roll. It’s impossible not to compare it to The Florida Project, but I personally believe it’s Sean Baker’s best film to date. He has created something that is not only relevant to our time but also has all the qualities to become a modern classic. If you have the chance to watch it, don’t let it pass you by. Anora is, without a doubt, one of the best films of the year.

@LOVACAINE