Sean Baker’s Anora has taken the world by storm, sweeping multiple Oscars and solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about films of the year. The film, now available for streaming on Hulu, blends romance, humor, and gripping drama, making it an unforgettable experience.
With its deep exploration of class inequality, oligarchs, and the struggles of sex workers, Anora delivers both laughs and heart-wrenching moments. It starts as a modern, X-rated take on Pretty Woman but quickly transforms into a Fargo-like crime caper. Now that the movie is streaming, here are the top ten scenes that you’ll want to watch over and over.
1. A Day in Ani’s Life – The Hustle at the Club
The film’s opening montage perfectly sets the tone for Ani’s (Mikey Madison) life. It portrays the exhausting grind of working all night at a strip club, treating it like any other job, chatting up clients, hustling for dances, and trying to make a living.
Set to Take That’s “Greatest Day”, this sequence establishes the contrast between Ani’s current life and the whirlwind journey she’s about to embark on. It also highlights Baker’s signature raw and naturalistic storytelling, making it an unforgettable start.
2. Ani Meets Ivan – The Game-Changing Encounter
The inciting incident of Anora happens when a young, spoiled Russian billionaire’s son, Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), walks into the club. He specifically requests a dancer who speaks Russian, leading to his fateful first meeting with Ani.
This scene is a masterclass in natural dialogue. The conversation seamlessly shifts between English and Russian, with Ani’s broken Russian and Ivan’s imperfect English adding charm and realism. Their instant chemistry is evident, making it clear that Ani’s connection with Ivan is different from her usual interactions with clients.
3. The Lavish House Tour – A Glimpse into the 1%
After meeting Ani, Ivan invites her over to his father’s luxurious mansion. The sheer opulence of the estate, complete with an elevator, leaves Ani in awe. This scene is reminiscent of Goodfellas’ iconic Copacabana tracking shot, as it seduces both Ani and the audience into a world of unimaginable wealth.
This moment is crucial because it marks the beginning of Ani’s journey into a life of glamor and excess. For the first time, she gets a taste of what it’s like to be with someone who has everything handed to him on a silver platter.
4. A Wild Night in Las Vegas – The High Life
Ivan, smitten with Ani, offers her $15,000 to stay with him for a week. They board a private jet to Las Vegas, where they indulge in the kind of luxury most people can only dream of, massive hotel suites, wild pool parties, and reckless gambling.
Baker’s editing brilliantly captures the whirlwind of a carefree night of partying. As viewers, we start to realize that this dream-like romance is bound to come crashing down.
5. The Impulsive Wedding – A Fairytale with a Dark Twist
At the peak of their Las Vegas adventure, Ani and Ivan decide to get married. What starts as a seemingly romantic gesture is clearly driven by impulsive excitement and, on Ivan’s part, a desperate need for a green card.
The wedding feels like a dream, with fireworks lighting up the sky. However, beneath the surface, there’s an underlying tension, viewers can’t help but feel that this fairytale is too good to be true.
6. Ani Quits Her Job – A Goodbye to the Old Life
After marrying Ivan, Ani finally has the means to leave her job at the club. While she shares a heartfelt goodbye with some of her colleagues, her farewell to workplace rival Diamond is hilariously passive-aggressive.
As she exits the club, Ani delivers one of the film’s most memorable lines:
“I’m just gonna go chill in my mansion or whatever!”
This moment showcases Ani’s sharp wit and marks a significant turning point in her life, though, as we soon find out, her new reality isn’t as secure as she thinks.
7. The Chaos Begins – Ani Fights Off Ivan’s Father’s Goons
Ani and Ivan’s happiness is short-lived. When Ivan’s father learns about the marriage, he sends his men, Toros and his henchmen Garnik and Igor, to get the union annulled. The confrontation quickly turns into a chaotic and hilarious fight scene.
Ivan, proving his cowardice, runs away, leaving Ani to fend for herself. She manages to outfight two of the goons while Toros, the supposed leader, tries (and fails) to be the voice of reason. This sequence blends slapstick comedy with high-stakes tension, making it one of the most entertaining scenes in the film.
8. The Brooklyn Manhunt – A Desperate Search for Ivan
With Ivan nowhere to be found, Ani, Toros, Garnik, and Igor embark on a frantic city-wide search to track him down. The handheld cinematography and rapid editing give this montage an almost documentary-like feel, immersing viewers in the chaos.
This scene is also filled with dark humor, particularly through Garnik’s worsening broken nose, which becomes an ongoing gag. Meanwhile, Ani and Igor unexpectedly start forming a connection, setting the stage for the film’s gut-punch of a finale.
9. Ani Stands Up to Ivan’s Mother – A Clash of Power
When Ivan’s wealthy, cold-hearted mother, Galina, arrives, Ani hopes for a peaceful resolution. However, Galina immediately dismisses Ani, making it clear that she doesn’t see her as an equal, or even as a person.
When Galina threatens to destroy Ani’s life if she doesn’t cooperate, Ani doesn’t back down. Though she has little power in the situation, she boldly confronts Galina, delivering a moment of satisfaction for the audience. As Conan O’Brien noted, it’s refreshing to see a powerful Russian finally put in their place.
10. The Heartbreaking Finale – A Moment of Reflection
The final scene of Anora is a gut-wrenching conclusion to Ani’s whirlwind journey. After her short-lived marriage crumbles, Igor drives her back to her modest apartment. Her taste of the high life is over, and she’s back where she started.
Igor treats her with kindness something she’s not used to. Initially, she tries to regain control of the situation by initiating sex, but the weight of everything she’s been through finally hits her. She breaks down in tears, realizing how quickly her happiness was ripped away.
This deeply emotional moment cements Mikey Madison’s performance as one of the best of the year. It’s a thought-provoking end that leaves audiences reflecting on the nature of love, power, and fleeting dreams.
Anora is more than just an indie darling, it’s a masterfully crafted film that explores complex themes with humor, emotion, and razor-sharp storytelling. From its dazzling highs to its heartbreaking lows, the film takes viewers on an unforgettable ride.
Sean Baker’s direction, combined with Mikey Madison’s standout performance, makes Anora a must-watch. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the drama, or the social commentary, this is a movie that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
