Just watched Anora today, I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed Anora’s story because it feels close to reality. The world of SWs is cutthroat, with intense rivalry and jealousy. Among strippers, one person's success often breeds resentment—there’s no room for shared victories. It’s an ugly truth within the industry.
Of course, Anora plays the game from the start. In her world, money dictates the rules. She hustles relentlessly, securing client after client. Then, luck strikes—she happens to know a little Russian. Young and naïve, she seizes the opportunity. Her client, the same age as her, is rich and lives freely, indulging in pleasure without restraint. He wants more. He sets a price; she negotiates. A week of exclusivity.
And then, she mistakes money for love—a common dream among providers. Was this a lesson that fairy tales don’t happen? It seems so. Unlike the romanticized fantasy of Pretty Woman, her story lacks the happy ending. The man is deceptive, lacking courage. He’s high most of the time—high on money, on life, on travel and endless parties.
The final scene is heartbreaking. But in her mind, it’s all she has left. Drugs and alcohol no longer appeal to Gen Z, so she turns to the one thing she knows best. What else is there for her?