Rags to riches. Cinderella Story. “Pretty Woman.” These are all tropes that the five-time Oscar award-winning film, “Anora,” has been compared to. But after finally watching “Anora” myself I can confidently say that these descriptions just scratch the surface.

“Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, was released on Oct. 18, 2024, and it won Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars. The film follows Anora (Mikey Madison) who is a sex worker living in Brooklyn. While working, Anora meets and eventually marries the son of a very wealthy Russian oligarch, Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn). Their seemingly perfect marriage is threatened when Ivan’s parents learn of it and travel to New York to annul the marriage.

I must admit that I only saw “Anora” after it won best picture. Before its win, the only experience I had with “Anora” was from the occasional commercial and skipping over the film on my Oscar ballot. But, after Madison’s endearing Oscar speech and seeing “Anora” win Best Picture, I knew I had to watch it. While I enjoyed the parties, wild goose chases and fights, what made me truly love the film was that at its core “Anora” beautifully tells the story of a woman who dreams of having everything, but can’t escape her ingrained belief that she isn’t worth anything.

After hearing the description of the film I expected it to be raunchy and heart-breaking, but while it did deliver in both of those areas I was surprised to find myself laughing out loud during many of the scenes. Eydelshteyn perfectly captured the immature trust fund boy in a way that wasn’t pretentious, but funny and almost lovable. It was clear why Anora fell in love with him. Their chemistry was believable and at times the film felt almost like a classic rom-com with a falling-in-love-montage and hilarious sidekicks. However, behind the jokes and gimmicks, there was also a dark undertone reminding the audience of the reality of Anora’s situation.

I can’t go further in this review without discussing the undeniable standout of the film. Madison’s performance as Anora was what, in my opinion, made this film Oscar-worthy. Madison did not do anything halfway for this role. Anora was a deeply complex character and Madison mastered every layer of her. Anora was so confident, yet so vulnerable. In one scene she would fight three grown men on her own, and in another, she would grasp desperately at her dreams as she watched them fall apart. For someone who had been beaten down countless times, Anora was still hopeful and trusting. She was hardened, but also naive which made her all the more lovable. I can’t say enough about Madison’s performance. I found it so refreshing to see a new face and witness the beginning of an undoubtedly successful career.

Although most of the film had my full attention, there were a few parts where I found my thoughts wandering. The search for Ivan was fun at first, but it went on for too long. I understand that it was integral in building Igor (Yura Borisov), a worker for Ivan’s father, and Anora’s relationship, but I think some parts could’ve been shortened while still having the same effect. My only other criticism was the dialogue. Sometimes it felt repetitive especially when it came to Anora’s lines.

I believe that an ending has the potential to make or break a story. It is the chance for the directors and the characters to tell the audience the message they should be taking from the film. To me, the ending of “Anora” perfectly captured the purpose of the film in one five-minute scene. I won’t say much more to avoid too many spoilers, but the film would not have been complete without the ending, so I felt it necessary to mention it.

Madison’s performance combined with a meaningful story and fun characters made “Anora” a film that is well worth the watch. While “Anora” may not have been the greatest film to ever win Best Picture, I am happy that a film about an authentic, complex female lead could rise to the top.