Anora – A Story of Aspiration and Struggle, Told Through Color
Sean Baker’s Anora (2024) is a film about survival, ambition, and the pursuit of the American dream, told through the eyes of its fiercely independent protagonist, Ani. As she navigates a world that constantly threatens to define her by her circumstances, the film uses color as a storytelling device, visually reinforcing her journey and the larger themes at play.
The most striking aspect of Anora’s visual language is its deliberate use of red and blue. Costume designer Jocelyn Pierce carefully incorporated these colors to symbolize ambition, struggle, and transformation. Ani’s red scarf is particularly significant—it shifts in meaning throughout the film, at times representing oppression, at others, a mark of resilience and self-determination. Meanwhile, her electric blue Hervé Léger bandage dress isn’t just an eye-catching wardrobe choice; it’s aspirational, signaling her desire to rise above her current reality. The contrast of these colors against the film’s urban backdrop makes Ani’s presence impossible to ignore, mirroring her refusal to fade into the background of the world she’s trying to escape.
Beyond their symbolic weight, these color choices enhance the emotional depth of the film. Red and blue, often associated with patriotism and the American dream, take on a more complex meaning in Anora. They don’t just signify opportunity—they highlight the tension between ambition and the harsh realities that come with chasing something greater. The film doesn’t offer easy answers about whether Ani will succeed, but through its rich visual language, it ensures that her struggle is impossible to look away from.
Baker’s signature naturalism, combined with these bold, symbolic colors, creates a film that feels both grounded and visually striking. The cityscape Ani moves through is gritty and real, but her wardrobe and the way color is woven into the film make it clear: she’s meant for something more. Whether she reaches it or not, Anora makes one thing certain—her story won’t be forgotten.
