Is Anora the best film of the year? Probably. Is it what you expected? Not in the slightest. Should you cancel your plans, pour a glass of something bold, and watch it tonight? Absolutely.
Sean Baker’s Anora is a neon-lit sucker punch wrapped in fur, sequins, and enough emotional depth to leave even the sassiest mum blinking back tears. Think Pretty Woman meets Uncut Gems, then toss in a cheeky Brooklyn edge and a whole lot of Russian chaos. Intrigued? You should be.
What’s It About?
Without spoiling too much, Anora follows Ani – stage name Anora – a Brooklyn stripper with a razor-sharp tongue and a heart that’s far more complex than your average rom-com heroine. When she catches the eye of Vanya, a sweet but wildly naive Russian heir, what starts as a wild fling escalates into a fast-tracked wedding and a storm of international family drama.
It’s hilarious. It’s tragic. It’s unexpectedly tender. And it’s all absolutely bonkers—in the best way possible.
Why It’s a Must-Watch for Mums
We’re calling it now: Anora is the feminist fairy tale you didn’t know you needed.
Ani is scrappy, smart, and unfiltered. She’s been through it, and you feel it in every sharp glance and every moment of surprising vulnerability. If you’ve ever juggled chaos, fought for your own narrative, or rolled your eyes at men who mistake control for love – Ani is your girl.
Also, the emotional rollercoaster? Delicious. One minute you’re snorting with laughter, the next you’re clutching your dressing gown like it’s a weighted blanket.
Performances That’ll Blow Your Mum Brain
Mikey Madison (yes, she of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Better Things) is electric as Ani. It’s a role that demands grit, heart, and perfectly timed one-liners – and she nails every beat. You can’t take your eyes off her.
The supporting cast? Equally on point. Vanya is played with just the right mix of golden retriever energy and “oh no sweetie” vibes. His parents? Let’s just say every scene they’re in feels like Succession by way of Moscow.
The Darling Mellow Takeaway
Anora is not just a film. It’s a statement. About women. About power. About who gets to tell the story. And for once, the stripper gets the mic – and she does not disappoint.
Is it safe for kids? Absolutely not. Is it perfect for mums? Completely. Watch it with your besties. Watch it after bedtime. Just… watch it.
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Best For: Mums who love messy heroines, razor-sharp dialogue, and a story that actually surprises you
Watch With: Your favourite wine and zero interruptions
Trigger Warnings: Sexual content, nudity, strong language, emotional manipulation, unexpected depth
Want more fierce film recs and cheeky cultural commentary? Subscribe to the Darling Mellow newsletter – we keep it smart, sexy, and always one step ahead of the group chat.
Is It Worth Buying?
When we review products on Darling Mellow, we test them in real family life — not in a studio or for a single afternoon. Our reviews reflect weeks or months of actual use, with real children, in real UK homes. We only recommend things we’d genuinely buy with our own money or already have in our house.
If a product doesn’t live up to the hype, we’ll say so. If there’s a cheaper alternative that does the same job, we’ll tell you about it. Our priority is always giving you honest, practical information so you can make the best decision for your family and your budget.
For more honest product reviews and recommendations, browse our Family Life Hub. And if you’re looking for tools that genuinely make parenting easier, our Shop has practical resources designed by a UK mum, for UK mums.
Join the Conversation
Real talk from real UK mums. Ask questions, share advice, find local groups near you.
Join the Community →
