Sean Baker’sAnorahas made a strong international debut, expanding into 19 new markets this weekend and bringing its total gross to $2.4 million overseas, plus $1.9 million this weekend domestically for a total of $6.4 million worldwide. The film performed well in key territories, outpacing similar indie releases likeTriangle of SadnessandAnatomy of a Falland surpassing Baker’s previous works such asThe Florida Project. In the UK and Ireland,Anoraopened at #6, grossing $635K across 346 screens, while Germany also posted strong numbers, reaching $342K from 152 screens and receiving positive reactions, especially in Berlin. In Belgium,Anoradebuted at #8 with $200K, and in Switzerland, after buzz from the Zurich Film Festival, the movie raked in £85K.
Anorafollows Ani (Mikey Madison), a young sex worker from Brooklyn, who impulsively marries Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. What begins as a whirlwind romance quickly spirals into madness as Ani is thrust into the elite but morally complex world of high society. As she navigates the challenges of her new life and faces pressure from Vanya’s disapproving family, Ani must try to reconcile her own values and identity with her newfound status.Anorapremiered in competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where it becamethe first American feature since Terrence Malick’sThe Tree of Lifeto win the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the festival.
Is ‘Anora’ Worth Watching?
Absolutely.Universally acclaimed, the movieholds a near-perfect 99% ratingon the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoesand is already seen as something of a favorite ahead of next year’s Oscars withMadison highly favoredto take home the statuette on Hollywood’s biggest night. Collider reviewed the movie following its debut at Cannes, and we gave the film 9/10, praising Madison’s astonishing performance and Baker’s astute direction.
“From the very jump,Madison perfectly embodies all the complicated layers of Ani. She is a powerful performer with both the necessary patience and presence to hold every scene in her hands, no matter how chaotic it may get. Never once does it feel like the film is valorizing her as some sort of perfect person, instead showing how she is deeply flawed and fearful under the exterior confidence she brings to survive her life of working.
There will likely be comparisons made between this film and the work of theSafdie Brothers, with much of this middle feeling similar toGood Time,though it is in the downshift where Baker finds something distinct from that.”
Anorais playing in theaters now. Grab your tickets below.
Anora follows a young sex worker from Brooklyn who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, igniting a potential fairy tale. Upon learning of the union, his influential parents travel to New York to annul the marriage, jeopardizing her unexpected chance at a new beginning.
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