Mikey Madison stars as Ani, a stripper who marries a wealthy Russian heir named Vanya in the movie “Anora.” Critics and audiences have praised the film, but its depiction of the sex work industry has drawn mixed reactions from actual sex workers. Emma, a 25-year-old escort and dancer who has worked at a Manhattan strip club for two years, initially found the club scenes accurate but grew frustrated as the movie progressed. She questioned Ani’s behavior, such as offering additional services without payment and the unrealistic portrayal of the girls cheering Ani’s sudden engagement.
Emma also criticized the “mean girl” character, stating that such behavior wouldn’t survive in the industry.
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She cited the supportive and intelligent women in the dressing room as one reason she stayed in the business. Emma also criticized the movie’s portrayal of Ani’s life after marriage.
Blink and you’ll miss it.
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She found it unrealistic that Ani would continue to present as hypersexual all the time and questioned her sudden attachment to Vanya. Emma explained that sex workers are aware of their replaceability and wouldn’t easily fall for a client’s supposed love.
I Loved ‘Anora’ but I Still Hope It Loses at the Oscars https://t.co/zMztGbrfet
— Mauricio Stycer (@mauriciostycer) February 27, 2025
Mixed responses from actual sex workers
Emma expressed concern that “Anora” might reinforce misconceptions about sex workers, particularly among young men who believe they can “save” them or that sex workers would want to date them. She worried that the movie’s ending played into a fantasy, where a sad storyline is equated with good representation. In Emma’s view, the pain experienced by sex workers often stems from issues like financial insecurity or not being taken seriously rather than sexuality.
She concluded that people are profiting from a man’s fantasy, and it works because people think that if it’s sad, it must be real.
