Anora

Have you ever sat in the hall of the Cannes Film Festival surrounded by a bunch of pompous people, only to hear a vulgar phrase from the screen that only those who speak your native language (Russian) can fully understand? Well, that happened to me.

"Чтоб хуй стоял и деньги были".

Sean Baker decided not to reinvent the wheel and instead presented a film that doesn't require a magnifying glass or a search for deep meanings so obscure that you begin to question your own sanity. Instead, you're in for an absolutely wonderful and fun two hours filled with adventure and sharp humor.

I must sympathize in advance with those who don't speak Russian—you won't be able to fully appreciate many of the words and inside jokes, as they simply can't be accurately translated into English. The film's script is tightly woven with both English and Russian, requiring you to constantly shift between the two.

Otherwise, my personal favorite of the Cannes Film Festival [which ended up winning Cannes] offers an incredibly charismatic and silly story that sticks in your mind. The entire cast did a great job, but the undeniable star of this film is Mikey Madison, who delivered a performance worthy of awards season. Her unique delivery and bravery in front of the camera are beyond praise.

If you're looking for a quality, lighthearted, and talented film, Anora is the one for you.

9.5/10