Anora (2024)

Anora

• I have many, many different thoughts about this film. I don’t even know if I can put into words how it made me feel. I had high expectations going into it, and they were pretty much all shattered. The first act was a great introduction to the complicated character that is Anora, with a slow, almost dream-like buildup to the chaos to come. I was sucked in pretty much immediately, and got invested into her character. The second act brings out the drama (and some comedy), with a great blend of serious yet silly moments. I found myself chuckling several times, while still in a serious mood. It did feel a tiny bit flat in a couple scenes throughout the second act. Not horribly, but just enough to make me notice that it felt a little long. But the third act is a fantastic conclusion, with one of the best film endings of all time. That’s right. All time. You go through the entire film having the time of your life, and then the last scene absolutely rips your heart out, but not in the way you’d think. It cut to the credits, and I just sat in the theater for several minutes. I proceeded to get into the car, and then sit there for several minutes before leaving. It’s gonna stick with me for a LONG time. I’m still thinking about it hours after watching it. The performance of Mikey Madison will, and should, almost certainly guarantee her an Oscar nomination. Absolutely phenomenal in every way. The supporting actors were decent, though nothing super amazing. But Mikey puts everything she has into this role, and it shows. And that last scene…..you learn to really care for her, feel for her, and just want to hug her. The writing around her character, and the whole film, uses sadness, trauma, and “love” to make one of the most emotional films of the year. I’ll wrap this up, because I need time to process. It depresses the crap out of you, but I’m here for it. I’d recommend this to everyone. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go see it now!