Psychological Themes in Sean Baker's Anora: A Portrait of the Human Condition

Sean Baker has built a reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to explore the raw and often difficult aspects of life in his works. From his breakthrough film Tangerine (2015) to his celebrated The Florida Project (2017), Baker has delved into the lives of marginalized individuals with compassion, humanity, and a keen eye for nuance. His 2024 Oscar-winning film Anora continues in this vein, examining the psychological complexities of its central characters. Through careful storytelling and deeply evocative performances, Anora offers a layered exploration of identity, trauma, and the human need for connection.

In this post, I will explore some of the primary psychological themes in Anora, focusing on how they shape the lives of the characters and contribute to the film's overall narrative. From existential crises and emotional repression to the search for belonging and the struggle for personal agency, Baker's latest work is an exploration of the human psyche and human nature that leaves you thinking deeply long after watching it.

1. The Fragility of Identity

One of the most significant psychological themes in Anora is the one of identity. At the center of the film is Anora, a woman who is undergoing a profound crisis of self. Throughout the movie, she grapples with the question of who she really is, as she is forced to reconcile her past with her present reality and aspirations.

Much of the film deals with her attempts to understand the parts of herself that have been buried, ignored, or repressed. This is made even more complicated by her interactions with the people around her, all of whom seem to be living in their own psychological turmoil. The film raises the question of how much of our identity is imposed by others, of how much control we have over our own narrative. In the film, Anora is constantly being referred to using derogatory terms; it seems that what she does for money erases her humanity in the eyes of other people.

Anora’s choice to wear fur at points in the film hints at her desire to inhabit a different station in life. Additionally, her disdain for her given name and choice to go by the name “Ani” implies a tension between who she truly is and how she would like to be seen. Similarly, Vanya, or Ivan, seems to lack a true understanding of his own identity. He has not truly earned anything in his life; he is completely controlled and dependent on his family. In him, Anora sees a ticket out of her life without realizing that this individual lacks any and all independence and doesn’t seem to even know who he is or what he wants outside of the family he was born into.

The film also explores how external factors, such as societal expectations and personal relationships influence our sense of who we are. Anora’s interactions with others reveal the impact that other people’s perceptions can have on shaping one’s self-image. In this way, the film raises important questions about how much of our identity is truly ours, and how much is shaped by the expectations of those around us.

2. The Burden of Trauma

Another key psychological theme in Anora is trauma and its long-lasting impact on the human psyche. Anora is haunted by an event from her past that she has never fully confronted, and the film suggests that this unresolved trauma is the source of much psychological distress. The film delicately unpacks the ways in which trauma shapes not only Anora’s actions but also her ability to connect with others.

Baker takes great care to portray trauma in a way that feels real and unvarnished. The emotional scars of Anora’s past are not neatly packaged or easily resolved. Instead, they manifest in subtle ways—through her relationships, her reactions to stress, and her interactions with the people around her. She insults and pushes Igor away repeatedly, for instance, accusing him of being a rapist, when he is in fact the one character who consistently seems to try to help and stand up for her. Accordingly, the film explores the way trauma can affect a person’s ability to trust, to love, and to engage in meaningful relationships.

One of the most poignant aspects of the film is how it examines the idea of inherited trauma. Anora’s struggle is not just hers; it is a cycle that extends back through her family. This theme is particularly relevant in the context of modern psychology, which increasingly recognizes the profound impact that familial and cultural histories can have on mental health.

The film does not offer easy solutions or catharsis. Instead, it presents trauma as something that must be acknowledged, lived with, and slowly worked through. Baker’s subtle and empathetic approach to the subject matter allows the audience to see the complexity of Anora’s psychological pain without reducing it to a mere plot point.

3. The Search for Belonging

At its core, Anora is a film about the human need for connection. Throughout the story, Anora is constantly searching for a sense of belonging—whether through her relationships with others or her quest for a deeper understanding of herself. This theme is particularly powerful in the context of the film’s portrayal of loneliness, which is both a personal and societal issue.

Anora’s loneliness is palpable from the very beginning of the film. Despite being surrounded by people, she seems disconnected from the world around her. This feeling of isolation is exacerbated by her internal struggles with identity and trauma, as she is unable to share her true self with those she encounters. The film poignantly shows how difficult it can be to form meaningful connections when one is carrying the weight of unresolved psychological pain.

The quest for belonging is further complicated by the expectations of society. Anora is caught in the tension between her own desires and the pressure to conform to external standards of success and happiness. The film examines how social pressures—whether they come from family, friends, or broader societal norms—can interfere with a person’s ability to forge authentic connections. Baker uses this dynamic to underscore the alienation that often accompanies modern life, particularly in a world that emphasizes individuality while simultaneously demanding conformity.

4. The Struggle for Control and Agency

A recurring psychological theme in Anora is the struggle for control and personal agency. Anora’s life seems to be dictated by forces beyond her control—her traumatic past, economic pressures, and societal expectations all exert tremendous pressure on her. Throughout the film, she struggles to reclaim her sense of agency and to make choices that reflect her true desires rather than the demands of others.

Baker explores the psychological concept of learned helplessness, a state in which an individual believes they have no control over their circumstances. Anora’s experiences with trauma and emotional repression have led her to feel trapped in her own life. The film portrays her gradual journey toward reclaiming agency as a deeply psychological and emotional process—one that requires confronting the past, challenging societal expectations, and making choices that prioritize her own well-being. We also see this theme play out in the family’s employees. These are individuals who are treated as servants and who put up with poor treatment and, at times, ethnic discrimination, because they don’t have the option not to. This parallels Anora’s desire to be accepted by a family that sees her as worthless; she believes she will be seen as an equal yet she ends up being seen as nothing more than “the help”.

The theme of agency is particularly poignant in the film’s final act, when Anora is faced with a decision that will shape the course of her life. The culmination of her emotional and psychological journey, this moment reflects the internal transformation that has taken place throughout the film. While the choice she makes is not necessarily easy, it marks a significant step toward self-determination and personal empowerment.

Conclusion

In Anora, Sean Baker once again proves his mastery of psychological storytelling. Through nuanced character development, emotionally resonant performances, and a keen exploration of the human condition, the film offers a powerful meditation on identity, trauma, belonging, and agency. The psychological themes woven throughout the film invite the audience to reflect on their own experiences and the complexities of the human psyche.

Ultimately, Anora is a film that encourages empathy, introspection, and a deeper understanding of the struggles that define our lives. It is a poignant reminder that the journey toward self-acceptance and personal growth is often messy, painful, and unpredictable, but it is also what makes us fully human.