A stripper called Anora (Mikey Madison) marries Vanya her adorer (Mark Eydelshteyn) in this strong awards performer.

Sean Baker (The Florida Project) subverts the True Romance-style fantasy about a call girl and her client falling in love. All the stock characters are inverted; the dancer is never portrayed as a victim, whereas her playboy boyfriend (the son of a Russian oligarch) kind of is, and the henchman (Yura Borisov) is given surprising sensitivity.

The Palme d’Or-winning comedy/drama has three distinct acts, first coming up in drug-fuelled party scenes, then entering comically stressful Uncut Gems territory, before a heartbreaking comedown. So while the sexy fun and Russians on the run can appear indulgent, Anora‘s tacky materialist euphoria is there to be shattered, exposing the moral bankruptcy and user mentality at the heart of oligarchy.

Through its class commentary and contrasting sex scenes, the film strips away its characters’ Hollywood exteriors. The central couple are ambiguously played; Vanya’s immaturity veers from endearing to tragic, while Anora dances between opportunism and integrity. Baker’s bold choices, nonjudgemental attitude and smart sense of humour keep us on our toes, refusing to go where we expect her to.

Bonkers yet believable, heightened yet human, Anora deserves pole position this awards season.