Academy Awards winner Anora received widespread acclaim for its romantic drama about a young sex worker’s ill-fated marriage to a Russian oligarch’s son. However, writer Jason Wiese was underwhelmed by the film, citing issues with its pacing and dialogue.
Wiese enjoyed the first half of Anora, particularly Mikey Madison’s standout performance as the lead character, but felt that the second half failed to captivate him. The film’s search for the husband-to-be seemed meandering at times, and Wiese had problems with the repetitive and uninspired dialogue.
The Oscar win was a surprise to Wiese, who believes Anora would not have won if he were an Academy member. He credits his lukewarm reaction to potential post-Oscars hype but still stands by his initial assessment. Despite his reservations, Wiese is eager to explore more of director Sean Baker’s work and is excited about Mikey Madison’s future prospects.
In contrast, Wiese has seen other 2025 Best Picture nominees that have left a stronger impression on him. The Substance, Dune: Part Two, Conclave, and The Brutalist have provided memorable experiences, leaving Anora’s win perplexing to him.
Source: https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/watched-oscar-winner-anora-feel-like-i-watched-different-movie-than-everyone-else