The film “Anora” serves as a contemporary take for Gen Z, echoing elements of “Pretty Woman” through the poignant story of a sex worker learning that her path to happiness isn’t straightforward.

Directed by Sean Baker, this film (★★★ out of four; rated R; currently in theaters), which clinched the top award at the Cannes Film Festival, blends tragedy and comedy, starting with a unique twist for a likely 2024 best picture contender – it opens with nudity and lap dances. The narrative is engagingly self-assured yet tonally varied, but Baker successfully highlights impressive performances from his diverse cast, particularly Mikey Madison, who embodies the spirited protagonist, and Yura Borisov, who portrays a lovable henchman.

Madison plays Ani, a 23-year-old exotic dancer at a Manhattan gentleman’s club who detests her real name, Anora. She’s uniquely multilingual, thanks to her grandmother, who never learned English. Her boss instructs her to give special attention to Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the unpredictable son of a wealthy Russian oligarch (Aleksey Serebryakov).

The two strike a connection, and Vanya pays Ani extra to spend time at his luxurious mansion in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach, a significant upgrade from her shared living situation with her sister. Their time together is filled with romance, fun, and gaming, leading Vanya to want a more serious relationship. He surprises Ani with $15,000 for a week together, including a trip to Las Vegas, and jokingly suggests that if they marry, it could help him avoid returning to Russia for work, prompting their spur-of-the-moment elopement in a chapel.

The absurdity kicks into high gear upon returning home as news of Vanya’s marriage to a “prostitute” prompts his disconcerted parents to fly in from Russia. Meanwhile, Vanya’s Armenian associate Toros (Karren Karagulian), who is often stressed from cleaning up Vanya’s messes, along with his henchmen Garnick (Vache Tovmasyan) and Igor (Borisov), must manage the situation until the parents arrive. A whirlwind of chaos unfolds, including mishaps at a candy shop on Coney Island and disputes in various New York nightlife spots.

Similar to Baker’s previous independent films, like “Tangerine” and “Red Rocket,” “Anora” embraces a positive view of sexuality and acknowledges aspects of the industry that mainstream cinema often overlooks. However, the story can feel disjointed, shifting rapidly between a conventional romance and zany adventures, leading to a thoughtful conclusion that resonates emotionally despite earlier confusions.

Mikey Madison shines in the role of Ani, transitioning from supporting parts in “Scream” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” to a dynamic lead who initially struggles with self-awareness in her relationship. She grapples with recognizing the many red flags that Vanya exhibits, but gradually grows stronger, especially when standing up to Vanya’s domineering mother (Darya Ekamasova).

The middle part of the film may seem chaotic, but it’s also the segment where the characters develop most significantly. As Toros, Garnick, and Igor start to bond with Ani, they become her unexpected supporters, forming a peculiar but nurturing family as they search for the elusive Vanya. The understated Igor, clad in a hoodie, provides Ani with support in tough times, while Borisov infuses depth into what might easily have been a secondary role, offering heartfelt moments and a subtle sense of humor. Oscar voters should take note: Igor is among the most compelling supporting characters of the year.

“Anora” is not a conventional fairy tale following the classic patterns of happily ever after. Instead, it insightfully addresses real-life struggles: individuals striving to navigate their daily realities while seeking hope and genuine human connections.