In the competitive world of screenwriting, where fresh voices strive to be heard, there’s enormous value in studying those who’ve crafted genuinely groundbreaking work. One such screenplay, Anora, penned with skill by Sean Baker, provides a powerful example of how writers can blend character depth, inventive storytelling, and razor-sharp dialogue into an Oscar-winning narrative. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or budding screenwriter, understanding the craft behind Anora can be transformative for your writing journey.

Introducing Anora: A Triumph in Independent Cinema

Released in 2024, Anora immediately captured attention when it premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered a 10-minute standing ovation and clinched the coveted Palme d’Or. This unique romantic comedy-drama charts the captivating, complex tale of Anora “Ani” Mikheeva, a Brooklyn-based stripper whose life radically changes when she impulsively marries a Russian oligarch’s son.

Anora didn’t just impress critics; it captivated global audiences, grossing over $59 million worldwide; a remarkable feat given its modest budget of $6 million. At the 97th Academy Awards, Sean Baker made history, securing an astounding five Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay. So, let’s delve into the screenplay itself and uncover the elements that made this story not only award-winning but also profoundly inspiring to aspiring writers.

1. Structure: Reinventing Classic Narratives

At its core, Anora utilizes a classic three-act structure, one deeply familiar to most writers: setup, confrontation, and resolution. However, Baker brilliantly twists the traditional “Cinderella” narrative. In Act One, audiences are immersed in Anora’s gritty, vividly depicted Brooklyn nightlife, where her struggle for survival immediately engages viewers emotionally. Here, Baker skillfully establishes her vulnerability alongside her strength, creating immediate empathy.

The inciting incident – Anora’s spontaneous marriage – sets the narrative in motion, showcasing how effectively Baker turns a common trope (a sudden transformative event) into a fresh, unexpected development. Rather than positioning the marriage as an unequivocal step toward happiness, Baker uses it to amplify conflict, laying the groundwork for cultural and personal clashes that dominate Act Two.

Throughout the second act, Baker carefully escalates tension. Anora navigates unfamiliar terrain, both emotionally and socially, highlighting the stark contrasts between her past life and new, opulent surroundings. This journey is structured meticulously to deepen the viewer’s investment, steadily raising stakes without resorting to overly dramatic plot twists. It’s here Baker’s structure shines, maintaining a balance between momentum and reflection.

The pivotal midpoint occurs during a chaotic home invasion scene, where Ivan’s family confronts the couple, leading to a dramatic shift in the narrative’s direction. This scene serves as a “sea change,” transforming the story from a romantic escapade into a tense drama .

Act Three, where many screenplays falter, is instead where Anora thrives. Rather than delivering a predictable “happily ever after,” Baker courageously explores the consequences of Ani’s impulsive decisions, leading to nuanced outcomes that challenge societal expectations. The screenplay’s resolution is powerful because it feels authentic and earned, proving to emerging writers that true storytelling courage lies in honest, often uncomfortable resolutions.

2. Dialogue: Crafting Authentic Voices

One of Anora‘s greatest strengths lies in its dialogue – vibrant, authentic, and steeped in character-specific nuances. Baker demonstrates exceptional skill by crafting lines that feel both spontaneous and deeply reflective of each character’s history and context. Every conversation in Anora advances the narrative, reveals character, or deepens thematic resonance – sometimes all at once.

Anora’s speech, a blend of street-smart sass and subtle vulnerability, immediately establishes her as a distinct, memorable protagonist. Her lines are packed with cultural references and slang authentic to her Brooklyn roots, grounding her character firmly within a believable reality. On the other hand, her husband’s dialogue, reflective of his privileged upbringing, contrasts starkly yet authentically, creating engaging dynamics that writers can learn from when building multidimensional relationships.

Moreover, Baker avoids exposition-heavy dialogue, trusting his audience to interpret subtleties and unspoken tensions between characters. He demonstrates a mastery of subtext, a skill emerging screenwriters should cultivate, as it makes dialogue feel natural and engaging. By carefully tuning each character’s unique voice, Baker highlights the immense narrative power of finely tuned, character-driven dialogue.

A very simple example of efficient dialogue is found in a scene where Ani corrects someone calling her “Anora.” She asserts, “It’s not Anora. It’s Ani.” In doing so, this brief line not only establishes her preferred identity but also reflects her assertiveness and desire for respect

3. Creativity: Blending Genres Seamlessly

Anora isn’t confined neatly into a single genre, which is precisely why it resonates so broadly. Baker effortlessly combines romantic comedy’s warmth with dramatic depth, creating an engaging tone that never feels forced or inconsistent. Comedy emerges naturally from situational ironies and character-driven moments rather than contrived jokes or slapstick humor.

At the same time, Baker doesn’t shy away from complex, heavier themes such as class disparities, cultural misunderstandings, and personal transformation. These deeper layers enrich the comedic elements, ensuring the film never feels superficial. The screenplay’s humor often illuminates its drama, enhancing emotional depth rather than detracting from it.

Example: The film’s tonal shift is evident in the transition from the couple’s impulsive Las Vegas wedding to the intense confrontation with Ivan’s family. This juxtaposition of lighthearted romance and serious conflict showcases Baker’s ability to blend genres seamlessly

For writers, this blend is instructive: it shows the value of embracing creativity, pushing genre boundaries, and recognizing that genuine storytelling thrives in the grey areas between defined genres. Aspiring writers are encouraged to experiment similarly, finding authentic ways to integrate multiple emotional tones to craft richer, more resonant narratives.

4. Character Growth: Genuine, Believable Transformation

One hallmark of great storytelling is meaningful character development, and Anora provides a masterclass in this area. Anora herself experiences profound yet believable growth, evolving from a woman defined by external circumstances into one who asserts control over her destiny. Baker achieves this transformation through carefully constructed narrative challenges and internal conflicts.

Throughout the screenplay, Anora faces a series of escalating personal and societal obstacles. Each conflict peels away layers of her character, compelling her to confront deeply rooted beliefs and self-perceptions. Her growth isn’t linear or idealised; it’s messy, authentic, and relatable. She struggles, makes mistakes, and learns gradually, which resonates powerfully with audiences.

Example: In the film’s final scene, Ani shares a quiet moment with Igor, a member of Ivan’s entourage. Their interaction, filled with unspoken understanding, signifies Ani’s emotional maturity and her realization of the impermanence of her fairy-tale aspirations.

Emerging writers should note that character growth isn’t merely about overcoming external hurdles; it’s also about internal evolution. Baker beautifully demonstrates that a character’s internal journey can be even more compelling than external events. Writers should embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their characters, crafting arcs that genuinely reflect human complexity and emotional truth.

5. Narrative Development: Masterful Pacing and Tension

Pacing is often one of the trickiest elements for new screenwriters to master, but Anora showcases how it’s done expertly. Baker employs a deliberate rhythm throughout his screenplay, knowing precisely when to linger on emotional beats and when to propel the story forward swiftly.

The film’s tension isn’t artificially constructed through high-stakes scenarios or melodramatic plot twists. Instead, Baker builds genuine suspense from character interactions, subtle misunderstandings, and gradually escalating emotional stakes. His careful attention to pacing ensures the audience remains deeply engaged, eager to see what unfolds next without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Similarly, the screenplay’s editing – a critical factor in narrative development – complements Baker’s pacing impeccably. His decisions about scene transitions, revelations, and emotional payoffs are purposeful, underscoring key themes and heightening audience investment.

Example: The extended home invasion scene, lasting over twenty minutes, provides a masterful example of suspense-building over time. The sequence’s escalating chaos and emotional stakes exemplify Baker’s skill in sustaining tension and driving the narrative forward.

Aspiring writers should pay close attention to Baker’s strategic narrative choices, recognising that pacing and tension often stem from careful emotional structuring rather than mere action. It’s a powerful lesson in restraint and precision, emphasising that sometimes the most compelling narratives are built slowly, thoughtfully, and with great intention.

Lessons for Aspiring Writers

Sean Baker’s screenplay for Anora is a compelling study in how thoughtful writing, keen observation, and narrative bravery can result in extraordinary cinematic storytelling. For emerging fiction writers and screenwriters alike, dissecting Anora offers invaluable insights: from innovative structural twists and rich dialogue to authentic character evolution and masterful pacing. As you craft your own stories, remember Baker’s willingness to embrace authenticity, blend genres, and trust in the depth of his characters. By internalizing these lessons, you too can aim to create narratives that captivate, resonate, and perhaps even earn a standing ovation or two.

If you wish to read the full screenplay for Anora (2024), a copy may be found here:
https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25469615/anora-read-the-screenplay.pdf