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Released on November 10, 2024, the film Anora is about a young s*x worker from Brooklyn who meets and marries the son of an oligarch. But once the news of her marriage reaches Russia, her life is threatened as her husband's parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.
Directed by Sean Baker and starring Emma Peterson as Anora, alongside David Choi, Sophia Alvarez, and Mark Tanaka, the film explores themes of identity, relationships, and personal choices.
The film was shot across several locations in Brooklyn, New York City, and Las Vegas, Nevada, to depict the protagonist’s journey. Real-world neighborhoods such as Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay serve as essential backdrops, while the iconic streets of Las Vegas feature prominently in pivotal scenes.
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From Las Vegas to Brooklyn: All filming locations of Anora explored
Las Vegas filming locations
1200 South 4th Street, Las Vegas, Nevada
This location was used for the wedding annulment scene, a significant moment in Anora's narrative. The setting’s understated and somewhat plain environment contrasted with the emotional weight of the decision.
The venue was selected for the wedding annulment scene, as its simple and understated setting reflects the procedural nature of the event. This choice aligns with the filmmakers' approach of using realistic locations to maintain the grounded tone of the story.
The Little White Wedding Chapel - 1301 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas
The wedding scene, which marked a pivotal moment in the storyline, was filmed at this iconic venue. The Little White Wedding Chapel is well-known for its appearances in films and real-life celebrity weddings.
The location's instantly recognizable architecture and cultural significance added an added layer of authenticity to the scene. It symbolizes the fleeting and impulsive nature of certain decisions, reflecting themes explored in the film.
Brooklyn filming locations
156 Brighton 11th St, Brooklyn, New York City
This house is a central location in the film. It serves as Anora's home and is used for both interior and exterior scenes. It is also the backdrop for many emotional moments, including the opening sequence, where Ani reflects on a life-altering decision while gazing out the window.
Stephen Phelps, the production designer, told IndieWire in an interview that the house “had a perfectly lived-in look that felt authentic to the character’s story and her emotional journey.”
The house's carefully curated decor and worn-down charm helped establish relatability and groundedness, mirroring the protagonist’s struggles.
2939 Cropsey Ave, Brooklyn (Parkview Diner)
The Parkview Diner scene is a key moment in the film. Anora and her close friend meet here to discuss a critical decision that will affect both their lives. The diner’s classic American-style booths and nostalgic atmosphere make it an ideal setting for candid and emotionally charged conversation.
Later in the film, Anora visits the diner alone, reflecting on her choices. The diner's simple, unchanging environment contrasts her turmoil, emphasizing her sense of isolation.
Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
Brighton Beach is featured in multiple outdoor scenes, showcasing its vibrant cultural atmosphere. One notable sequence occurs on the boardwalk, where Anora meets a family member for a heartfelt discussion about her future.
Another scene captures Anora walking through the busy streets of Brighton Beach, with its diverse storefronts and signage reflecting the multicultural setting. Director Sean Baker selected Brighton Beach for its lively cultural ambiance, intending to portray the protagonist's surroundings realistically.
In a conversation with Condé Nast Traveler on October 18, 2024, Baker noted that the area's vibrant culture and aesthetic charm played crucial roles in choosing this site.
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Coney Island provides the setting for a visually striking scene where Anora attends a fair with her partner. The bright lights, bustling crowds, and carnival rides serve as a backdrop for a fleeting moment of joy, starkly contrasting the film's darker themes.
A climactic argument later unfolds on the iconic Coney Island boardwalk. The scene uses the crashing waves and desolate beach as a metaphor for the character's emotional turmoil. This setting provides a real-world backdrop for the conflict, emphasizing the characters' tension and unresolved issues.
Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
Sheepshead Bay’s waterfront provides a serene setting for one of the film’s more introspective moments. After a significant confrontation, Anora visits this location to clear her mind. The scene captures her sitting by the water, watching the boats pass by, as she contemplates her next steps.
Another sequence features a conversation between Anora and a mentor figure while walking along the docks. The picturesque views and understated beauty of Sheepshead Bay provide a subtle yet powerful backdrop to these moments.
Mill Basin, Brooklyn
Mill Basin, an upscale neighborhood in Brooklyn, was prominently featured in the film as the location for Vanya’s mansion scenes. The mansion’s grand exterior and lavish interior provided a striking visual representation of Vanya’s wealth and influence.
Key scenes filmed here include a tense confrontation between Anora and Vanya. The opulence of the setting underscores the power dynamics at play. The mansion's wide, manicured lawns and luxurious architecture starkly contrast the more modest and lived-in settings of Anora’s home, amplifying the themes of disparity and privilege.
Another significant moment in Mill Basin is a party scene hosted by Vanya. The scene showcases the mansion’s grandeur, with its elaborate decor and sprawling spaces serving as a backdrop for critical character interactions and revelations.
Midwood, Brooklyn
Midwood’s urban landscapes provided the backdrop for several transitional scenes in the film. The neighborhood’s streets are featured during a sequence where Anora runs errands while grappling with a personal dilemma, capturing the character's inner turmoil through the bustling yet understated environment.
The residential streets of Midwood provided a realistic setting for scenes that focused on the protagonist’s personal struggles, grounding the film in a relatable, real-world environment. The understated backdrop ensured that the attention remained on the character's experiences and emotions.
Behind-the-scenes insights
Director Sean Baker’s commitment to authenticity in Anora extended to the production design, led by Stephen Phelps. In an IndieWire interview published on November 15, 2024, Phelps discussed the challenges and thought process behind selecting the locations for the film.
Speaking about the house at 156 Brighton 11th St, Brooklyn, he shared,
“The house had a perfectly lived-in look that felt authentic to the character’s story and her emotional journey.”
This residence was crucial in grounding the film’s narrative. Phelps and his team ensured that every location reflected the story's tone, blending realism with cinematic purpose. The mix of Brooklyn neighborhoods and Las Vegas landmarks enhanced the visual storytelling.
Anora is currently available to stream on Neon Films’ official platform. The movie can also be rented or purchased on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
