ANORA

SWITCH: 'ANORA' TRAILER

Is Sean Baker a fabulous screen writer? Yes. Is he a wonderful director? Absolutely. But here's where Baker shines - casting. You'll notice he has a sole casting director credit on this film, as he did with 'Red Rocket', while shared for 'Tangerine' with frequent co-writer Chris Bergoch. Baker can spot talent from a mile away and sniff out a diamond in the rough like a shark smelling a drop of blood in the ocean. His gift and exquisite taste is once again put on display in 'Anora'.

Star Mikey Madison isn't exactly a household name, although film buffs will recognise her from Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (2019) in what can only be described as an unforgettably fiery performance, and 2022's 'Scream'. 'Anora' proves that Madison was just warming up with those projects. This is her star-making turn. Beneath the veneer of people-pleasing lies Ani's vulnerability, strength, naiveté, innocence and romantic optimism that breaks your heart in the best and worst ways. Madison delivers on it all, and then some. She is, simply put, sensational and beguiling. The flood of award nominations and wins she's received so far are no fluke. She put in the work and with Baker's screenplay (a solo writing credit for the first time since 2000's 'Four Letter Words'), it has paid off. Mark Eydelshteyn is also getting much-deserved attention from Hollywood after his performance as Vanya, but it's Yura Borisov ('Compartment No. 6', 'AK-47 Kalashnikov') that has made award voters sit up and pay attention. He steals every scene with barely a word spoken as the loveable, introverted goon Igor. This is Borisov's first English-language film, but his performance makes you wonder what took Hollywood so long to notice him.

Impeccably written and exquisitely acted, you can't help but fall in love with 'Anora' and all its crazy characters. Sean Baker is one of those filmmakers who makes me excited for whatever he comes up with and pine for his next project. He's not afraid to show the ugly side of people or showcase his characters in less-than-ideal light, knowing that nobody is perfect - and to know light you must first experience darkness, often with a laugh and a hint of wry satirical edge. There are times you'll want to look away because what he shows you is raw, cringe-worthy or challenges your perceptions and your sexual propriety... but don't, because that's where the magic happens.

To celebrate the release of 'Anora' in cinemas, we're giving you the chance to win a double pass.

To win one of five double passes thanks to Kismet Movies, just make sure you follow both steps:

Competition opens at 5:00pm AEDT on Sunday 15th December 2024 and closes at 11:59 pm AEDT on Sunday 22nd December 2024. Five winners will be chosen at random on Monday 23rd December 2024. To successfully win, entrants must fulfil the above entry conditions before the time the competition closes. Current members/followers are eligible to enter the competition. Only one entry per person. Only one winner per household. To be a valid winner, the entrant must not have won a prize from SWITCH within the last 28 days. Each winner will receive one double pass to 'Anora'. By entering, you agree to receive occasional emails from SWITCH in the future. If you decide to unsubscribe from these updates, any further entries will not be applicable. Only Australian residents are eligible to enter.