From “Tangerine” to “Red Rocket” to “The Florida Project,” filmmaker Sean Baker has developed a talent for shining a light on stories of the people that fall through the cracks – dismissed altogether or alienated for their chosen lifestyles.

Baker has done it again with “Anora” – one of 2024’s best films that features perhaps the best performance of the year, a star-making turn from Mikey Madison that really leaves its mark on the audience.

It’s a “fairy tale” that shatters as reality sets in with Madison’s performance, which captures the emotional roller coaster in perfect fashion.

In “Anora,” Madison plays Ani (short for Anora), an exotic dancer in Brooklyn who is good at her job but is looking for a way out. Her life takes a dramatic turn when Vanya (Mark Eidelshtein), the son of a Russian oligarch, comes into the strip club.

Since Ani can speak a little Russian, she is asked to take care of him. The initial night, the club expands to a visit to his house and eventually an agreement to spend the week with Vanya and his friends – culminating in a trip to Las Vegas that ends with an impromptu wedding.

But just as it seems like Ani is about to get her happily ever after, Vanya’s family learns of the marriage – sending some of their associates to get their son and Ani to agree to have the marriage annulled.

It would be easy to say that “Anora” plays like a darker version of “Pretty Woman,” but that would be a disservice to the depth of Baker’s sizzling screenplay. The film takes its time to let this story evolve. The first half of this whirlwind romance plays like a very adult romantic comedy.

During this first half, we slowly see Ani let her guard down and fall for this guy, with Madison delivering this transition flawlessly. She shows a lighter touch that makes her a quite effective leading lady, and one that is easy for the audience to root for.

That likability comes into play when the film takes the dramatic turn in the second half. Madison is asked to portray a lot of emotional range – tough and determined to fight for her marriage, but also vulnerable in a way that she rarely allows given her profession. “Anora” works because Madison’s performance makes it work – a master class that will likely make her the front-runner for Best Actress.

There are other key elements in play in the second half, including a reluctant assistant to one of the oligarch’s employers named Igor (Yura Borisov in one of the best supporting performances of the year). His presence adds some unexpected depth and helps build to an emotional gut punch of a final scene.

It all adds up to another strong piece of work from Baker. “Anora” adds to his already impressive resume with perhaps his best film yet – a wonderfully unique tale anchored by the arrival of a young actress who is ready to take the world by storm.

If You Go
“Anora”
Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eidelshtein
Directed by: Sean Baker
Rating: R for strong sexual content throughout, graphic nudity, pervasive language and drug use.
Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12
Grade: A