Mikey Madison: A Journey Through Emotion and Transformation
Mikey Madison, an actress known for her compelling performances, openly admits that she is prone to tears — whether stemming from joy or sorrow, crying has always been her emotional outlet. During our engaging conversation at a restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, she shared several poignant anecdotes that involved her shedding tears. One memorable moment from her teenage years occurred after a horseback-riding competition, where she found herself in tears, grappling with the realization that she would have to make a difficult choice between pursuing her passion for equestrianism or following her dreams of acting. Her dedication made it clear that she couldn’t fully commit to both paths.
In the early stages of her acting career, she would cry after every single acting class, overwhelmed by the challenges and emotions that came with honing her craft. Even more recently, she found herself emotional after her first session learning Russian in preparation for her role in the film “Anora.” However, when she relocated to Brighton Beach in Brooklyn to shoot “Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, she encountered a surprising shift. The film tells the story of a resilient sex worker, Ani, who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. In this new environment, Madison felt her tears become elusive. “I was, like, holding it in in a way that I hadn’t done before,” she reflected. “And I was like, ‘Am I numb? What’s happening here?’” Eventually, she realized that it was not numbness but something much deeper: Ani’s character was resonating with her in a way she had never experienced before in her career.
This profound connection with Ani makes perfect sense, considering that “Anora” represents a pivotal moment in the 25-year-old actress’s career. While Madison has delivered memorable performances in films such as “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” (2019) and “Scream” (2022), as well as a significant role in the critically acclaimed FX series “Better Things,” “Anora” elevates her status in Hollywood to new heights. Almost immediately after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Madison was heralded as a rising star, with many speculating about her potential Oscar nomination. Following its screening at the Telluride Film Festival months later, a producer enthusiastically declared to Variety, “I need to work with Mikey Madison ASAP.”
The narrative of “Anora” unfolds one fateful night at her job in a strip club, where her boss instructs her to engage with a wealthy patron named Ivan (played by Mark Eydelshteyn), who specifically requests a Russian-speaking girl. Their seemingly whirlwind romance swiftly leads to an impulsive marriage. Yet, when Ivan’s affluent parents become aware of their union, they dispatch intimidating figures to orchestrate an annulment. In a surprising turn of events, Ani stands her ground, refusing to capitulate. The film showcases her fighting spirit as she defends herself against much larger adversaries with piercing screams and unexpectedly powerful kicks.
Despite her fierce exterior, Madison skillfully conveys that Ani’s tough demeanor is a protective mechanism against a world that often favors those with easy access to wealth, like Ivan, while continually punishing those who lack similar privileges. Throughout the film, viewers witness the toll that this exhausting struggle takes on Ani, as the once bright light of hope on her face gradually dims, revealing the harsh reality behind her fairy-tale aspirations.
