In Defence of the frustrating yet endearing Ivan "Vanya" Zakharov

I moved to New York with the notion that it would “fix” me. My time in the city comes to a close next month, and I've been reflecting on that as I become increasingly aware of how little time I have left. I hoped that being in a new city, nay, a new country, would be a fresh start—I had little idea of what that would specifically look like, but harboured the belief that the problems I had would just magically cease to exist. Spoiler alert… they only got worse. New York has awesome aspects—I promise—and I love school, my neighbourhood in Brooklyn, and the friends I've made, but it's also an incredibly lonely existence. So many great movies take place in New York City, and over the last four years and change it's been interesting to see what holds up and what doesn't. 

Speaking of New York stories, Anora is one of the best movies I've seen in the recent past. I'm absolutely obsessed with Mikey Madison. I watched it last year on a chilly October evening with a few friends from university at Angelika in Soho—the atmosphere was correct, and it was one of the best theatre experiences I've had. In case you're unfamiliar, Anora is a story about Anora, better known as Ani, a stripper from Brooklyn, who gets her own Cinderella story as she meets and marries Vanya (aka Ivan Zakharov), the son of a Russian oligarch. But the honeymoon phase only lasts so long once the news reaches his parents in Russia… 

As much as I love Mikey Madison, I'm equally enamoured by Mark Eydelshteyn, the actor who plays Vanya. He's often compared to Timothée Chalamet early on in his career—they have the same infectious albeit unfiltered energy. I think he did a great job as Vanya, and was as endearing as he was immature. Anora, as the title suggests, is told from the perspective of Ani. We feel for her when she's hurt—the ending credit scene?!!!!! like, come on!!!!—and therefore we blame Ivan for everything that's unfolded. So, hear me out here. Let's analyze things from Vanya's perspective: 

Vanya is characterized as a boy refusing to grow up. For example, he immediately starts playing video games after having sex with Ani, but also, he's like, twenty-one. I understand why he does what he does: growing up means becoming a puppet for his family, and by refusing to “grow up” he continues to avoid the path laid ahead, the only outcome for his future he thinks can realistically happen. By marrying Ani, he's briefly able to experience what an alternate future would be like, one where he can be himself. 

His persona of being a spoiled, fun-loving, partying-all-the-time rich kid is just a cover for a fragile self-esteem. Because of his upbringing, I think he suffers from a weak sense of self as he resents his family but can't help being deeply entangled with them—living in their home, and funding his lifestyle with their money. Same goes for when Vanya disappears, leading Ani, Toros, and his henchmen on a wild goose chase through Brooklyn. Simply put, Vanya could be “fixed” if he communicated properly with Ani, and if they were able to formulate a plan together, instead of being flighty and avoidant. His attitude masks his fear. 

I think both Ani and Vanya went into their relationship hoping that they would be “fixed” by the other. Ani was unhappy with her life, and Vanya's money was a way out and into what she imagined would make her happy—take the Vegas montage, for example. There are moments where Vanya's money overtakes her love for Vanya himself. Like when he proposes, Vanya offhandedly mentions that they would have a great time together even if he didn't have money, but Ani doesn't acknowledge it. Ani also hesitates at the idea of running away with Vanya when Toros' henchmen arrived at the mansion. The following scene in the film are some of the most nail-biting minutes of my life, but Vanya doesn't see that—we are the ones privy to how hard Ani fought—and he is left to ruminate about God knows what. At the airport, we see Ani's heart break as Vanya totally discounts their relationship to his parents, looking away and refusing to acknowledging their marriage.  Like, “thank you for making last days in America fun?” what an absolute gut-punch!

ANI 

So we’re just going to get divorced!?! 

IVAN

 Yes! Of course! What are you, stupid?

As they say, hurt people hurt people. Ani expected Vanya to stand up for her, but he was never able to stand up for himself. Vanya's behaviour is self-destructive because he is out of touch with his emotions. Ani embodies many of the traits he wants to become, authentic and outspoken. Let's end by looking at the confrontation scene when Ani finally finds him back at the club: he's clearly inebriated, getting a private dance from Diamond, Ani's rival.

ANI 

Ivan. I’ve been calling and texting. Why didn’t you...Why didn’t you wait for me. I was coming but they forced me to stay. They tied me up and fucking gagged me. 

Ivan laughs. 

ANI (CONT'D) 

It’s not a joke Vanya. They assaulted me and... we’ve been looking for you all night Vanya!

[…]

ANI

 Ivan... please. Talk to me. Please. 

IVAN 

(Russian) C’mon. I can’t handle this right now. 

ANI 

And I can? Ivan. This is fucked up.

What do you think about their relationship dynamic? 

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