Anora
NZ release: 26 December 2024
Sex scenes, nudity, drug use & offensive language Rated on: 03 December 2024
What’s it about?
Anora, a Brooklyn sex worker, marries the son of a Russian oligarch, living her Cinderella dream—until his parents arrive in New York, determined to annul the marriage.
The facts
- Directed by Sean Baker
- Stars Mikey Madison, Mark Eidelstein, Yuriy Borisov
- English language, includes some Russian and Armenian with English subtitles
- Runtime: 138 minutes
- Winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival
Why did it get this rating?
This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.
Sex scenes and nudity
There are lots of sex scenes in the first half of the film, however they lessen as the film goes on. Some scenes are quite explicit, showing the characters in different sex positions, with breast and buttocks visible and sexual noises heard. Most of the sex scenes are brief, lasting only a few seconds.
There are extensive clips of stripping, pole dancing and other sexual dancing. These scenes are drawn out, especially during the opening scene, often with a focus on the characters’ bare breasts or buttocks. Some shots involve women grinding on men, rubbing their crotch, or the man putting money in their thong.
In one scene, a character answers the door in their underwear with an erection.
The film includes multiple references to rape, though there are no depictions of it. The term is used as an insult, with one character being told they have "rape eyes." In another scene, a character tied up yells "rape" as a way to draw attention and call for help. These references could be distressing for some viewers.
Drug use
During party scenes, characters consume alcohol and use several drugs including cocaine and ketamine – these substances are mentioned by name, and you see them snorting white powder from plates.
Characters also smoke marijuana at several points throughout the film.
At the beginning of the film there are no consequences for drug use, one of the characters even supplies his guests with IV drips the morning after a party so they can go "harder" that night. Later on, the same character faces the effects of alcohol and drugs and is shown to be extremely intoxicated in a negative way.
Offensive language
Offensive language includes “f*ck” and its variations, as well as “sh*t,” “c*nt,” "pussy", "bitch", "hooker" and "whore".
Homophobic slurs are used several times. The phrase “f*ggot a*s bitch” is repeatedly used as an insult towards one character.
Violence and cruelty
There are some violent moments in the film, mostly portrayed in a comedic way. The strongest scene is a fight between characters inside a house, which involves people being thrown around, kicked and bitten. One character is tied at the hands and feet, and gagged with a scarf, to keep them from running away or screaming. At one point this character kicks a man in the face, forcing him backwards into a glass coffee table and breaking his nose.
When content stays with you:
We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.
Further information
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