Story Summary of Anora
Anora is a drama film directed by Sean Baker that won the Best Picture Oscar in 2025. The movie follows the story of Ani, a young stripper living in Brighton Beach, New York, who gets involved in a whirlwind romance with Vanya, the spoiled son of a Russian billionaire.
Plot Overview
- Ani meets Vanya
- Ani, who speaks Russian, works as a stripper in Manhattan.
- She meets Vanya, a rich but immature young man who spends his time partying instead of studying.
- Vanya pays Ani $15,000 to stay with him for a week, and they quickly fall in love.
- A Sudden Marriage
- Vanya takes Ani to Las Vegas, where he proposes to her.
- Despite some doubts, Ani accepts, and they get married in a small chapel.
- Ani quits her job, believing she is starting a new life as the wife of a billionaire’s son.
- Vanya’s Family Intervenes
- When Vanya’s powerful mother, Galina, finds out about the marriage, she is furious.
- She sends her bodyguards to break them up.
- Vanya runs away, while Ani is kidnapped and pressured to end the marriage.
- Ani Fights for Herself
- Ani refuses to sign an annulment (legal cancellation of the marriage).
- The family tries to use the law to erase the marriage but finds out it is legally valid.
- Ani meets Vanya’s parents, but Galina rejects her.
- Vanya Betrays Ani
- Vanya gives in to his mother’s pressure and agrees to end the marriage.
- Ani, heartbroken, decides to take a divorce instead of an annulment so she can claim a share of Vanya’s wealth.
- However, she changes her mind, realizing that fighting them is pointless.
- The Ending
- One of Vanya’s bodyguards, Igor, returns Ani’s wedding ring.
- She breaks down emotionally, realizing how quickly her dreams were shattered.
Themes & Reception
- The film shows how power and wealth control relationships.
- It also highlights the struggles of sex workers and how society treats them.
- The movie was praised for its raw storytelling and Mikey Madison’s performance as Ani.
- However, some sex workers criticized the film for not portraying them realistically.
Despite some controversy, Anora won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Mikey Madison), and Best Director (Sean Baker).