On Monday, NEON unveiled the trailer for “Anora,” the latest film from writer-director-producer-editor Sean Baker, which clinched the prestigious Palme d’Or. This trailer offers American audiences their most comprehensive glimpse yet of the eagerly awaited comedy-drama. NEON succinctly describes “Anora” as a “love story,” featuring Mikey Madison in the titular role of Anora, or Ani for short, a sex worker from the Russian enclave of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.
The plot thickens when Ani meets Vanya, portrayed by Mark Eidelstein, the young son of a Russian oligarch. Their whirlwind romance leads to an elopement, much to the chagrin of Vanya’s parents, who rush to New York to force an annulment. However, Ani is not one to be easily swayed, and she stands her ground with tenacity and wit.
Mikey Madison, known for her roles in “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” and the series “Better Things,” has received widespread acclaim for her fierce and humorous portrayal of Ani. Her performance at the Cannes Film Festival in May has positioned her as a strong contender for the Best Actress category at the 97th Academy Awards. “Anora” not only won the festival’s top prize but also became the first American film to secure the Palme d’Or since “The Tree of Life” in 2011.
NEON, which has a track record of distributing Palme d’Or winners, including “Parasite,” “Triangle of Sadness,” and “Anatomy of a Fall,” has picked up “Anora” for distribution. Given NEON’s history, “Anora” is a likely candidate for a Best Picture nomination.
The film’s cast also includes Yuri Borisov, Ivy Wolk, Aleksei Serebryakov, and Darya Ekamasova. Alex Coco and Samantha Quan join Baker in producing the film. Sean Baker is renowned for his empathetic storytelling, focusing on the lives of sex workers and marginalized communities, with previous works like “Tangerine,” “The Florida Project,” and “Red Rocket.”
“Anora” is set to hit theaters in October, promising to deliver a compelling narrative that blends humor, romance, and drama. The trailer has already generated significant buzz, heightening anticipation for its release.
Source: GoldDerby
