Anora (2024) directed by Sean Baker. It won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing at the Oscars. Was it a bad film? No. Do I want to see it again? No. It reminded me of Uncut Gems in tone, atmosphere, and editing. (And I don't get the best film editing win at the Oscars. It feels "jumpy" to me at times. Frenetic.)
There's a lot of sex, but it isn't sexy; instead it's a bit soulless. There's not a lot of violence, but, strangely, it felt like it should have been more violent. It's a Romeo and Juliet, opposite side of the tracks type of story. It's also a story of bratty rich aimless young adults, a la Less Than Zero. And it's about the power of money. There is the hidden hope of tenderness tucked away, which ultimately redeems the movie.
Other echoes: Pretty Woman (1990), Saltburn (2023), Fresh Horses (1988).
Streaming on Hulu.
