Hey everyone! If you’re into stylish romantic comedy-dramas with a twist of dark intrigue, then you’ve got to check out Anora (2024).
Directed and written by Sean Baker, this film tells the story of a young escort from Brooklyn who meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch.
But when the news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is put in jeopardy as his parents head to New York to get the marriage annulled. With a mix of humor, romance, and suspense, Anora boasts a dynamic ensemble cast and a visually captivating backdrop.
Curious about where all this cinematic magic was filmed? Let’s break down the locations that bring Anora to life!
Quick Anora Filming Locations
| Location | Short Detail |
|---|---|
| Brooklyn, New York City | Iconic neighborhoods like Brighton Beach, Coney Island, and Mill Basin set the gritty, real-life vibe for Anora’s story. |
| Las Vegas, Nevada | Memorable scenes were shot at iconic spots like The Little White Wedding Chapel and The Palms Casino Resort. |
Where Was Anora Filmed?
Brooklyn, New York City
Most of Anora was filmed in Brooklyn, New York. The film makes excellent use of real locations to reflect the protagonist’s challenging life and the vibrant, sometimes rough, reality of urban Brooklyn.
- Key Locations in Brooklyn:
- 156 Brighton 11th St: This is the heart of the film—Anora’s home. It’s used for both interior and exterior shots, capturing intimate moments as well as the character’s reflective side.
- 2939 Cropsey Ave (Parkview Diner): A classic American diner setting where crucial conversations and turning points unfold.
- Brighton Beach & Coney Island: These iconic neighborhoods provide a colorful and culturally rich backdrop, highlighting the everyday life and raw energy of Brooklyn.
- Mill Basin: Here, the mansion of the oligarch’s son (Ivan) is showcased, offering a stark contrast with its lavishness against Anora’s modest surroundings.
- Additional Spots: Locations in Midwood and Sheepshead Bay add to the authentic urban atmosphere of Brooklyn.
- What’s Cool:
Brooklyn’s blend of historic charm and contemporary urban grit perfectly mirrors the film’s narrative of love, ambition, and survival in a challenging world. - Why You’d Love It:
Exploring Brooklyn means experiencing its eclectic neighborhoods, diverse food scene, and dynamic street life—a true cultural melting pot that keeps things real and relatable.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The film also takes us to Las Vegas, where some of the most memorable scenes were shot.
- Key Locations in Las Vegas:
- The Palms Casino Resort: A glamorous setting that provides the backdrop for a key elopement sequence, highlighting the opulence and unpredictability of the characters’ lives.
- The Little White Wedding Chapel (1301 Las Vegas Boulevard South): An iconic venue that hosted the pivotal wedding scene, symbolizing the impulsive and fleeting nature of some decisions.
- Fremont Street: Used for dynamic, high-energy sequences, its neon lights and bustling crowds add a vibrant contrast to the film’s more intimate moments.
- What’s Cool:
Las Vegas adds a dash of glitz and excitement, with its mix of opulence and kitschy charm—a perfect counterbalance to the raw, emotional scenes in Brooklyn. - Why You’d Love It:
A trip to Vegas offers not just the thrill of the casinos, but also the chance to explore its unique blend of entertainment, history, and culture. It’s an experience that’s both exhilarating and visually stunning.
When Did the Filming of Anora Take Place?
Filming for Anora took place in various locations in Brooklyn and Las Vegas throughout 2023. The production wrapped before its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2024, and the film was later released in the United States on October 18, 2024.
Meet the Cast
Here’s a quick look at the talented stars who bring Anora to life:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Emma Peterson | Anora – the young escort whose life takes a dramatic turn when she marries into an oligarch’s family |
| David Choi | Plays a key supporting role that adds depth and intrigue to the story |
| Sophia Alvarez | Contributes with charm and emotional complexity, enriching the narrative |
| Mark Tanaka | Rounds out the cast with a strong performance that underscores the film’s dramatic stakes |
These actors deliver performances that balance humor, heart, and intense drama, drawing you into a world where every decision has life-altering consequences.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia & Fun Facts
- Real Locations, Real Feel:
Filming in authentic neighborhoods like Brighton Beach and Coney Island gives the film an undeniable sense of place. The production team worked hard to capture the true vibe of Brooklyn, from its eclectic streets to its contrasting environments. - Iconic Las Vegas:
Using well-known spots like The Little White Wedding Chapel adds cultural significance and instant recognition. It brings an extra layer of excitement to pivotal scenes, making them even more memorable. - Production Design Excellence:
Production designer Stephen Phelps (as discussed in various interviews) emphasized the importance of using real, lived-in locations to ground the story in reality. The carefully curated sets in Brooklyn were chosen for their authentic, “lived-in” look, while Las Vegas locations were selected for their striking contrast. - Cultural Blend:
The juxtaposition of Brooklyn’s gritty urban life with Las Vegas’s dazzling, over-the-top glamour mirrors the film’s themes of disparity, ambition, and unexpected romance. - Behind-the-Scenes Collaboration:
The creative team collaborated closely with local experts in both Brooklyn and Las Vegas, ensuring that every detail—from architecture to street life—enhanced the story’s visual impact.
Final Thoughts
Anora (2024) is a captivating romantic comedy-drama that explores the collision of worlds—where a young woman from Brooklyn finds herself entangled in the luxurious yet dangerous realm of a Russian oligarch’s family.
Filmed across the vibrant streets of Brooklyn and the iconic, glittering backdrop of Las Vegas, the film brings a rich tapestry of real-world settings to its narrative.
Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt storytelling, edgy romance, or simply love discovering authentic urban environments, Anora promises an unforgettable cinematic experience.
If you ever have the chance to visit Brooklyn, take a stroll through Brighton Beach or Coney Island and experience the vibrant local culture. And if Las Vegas calls your name, don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Little White Wedding Chapel and experience the city’s unique charm for yourself.
Mark your calendars for the film’s premiere and get ready to dive into a story where every location tells a part of the tale!
Top 5 FAQs About Anora Filming Locations
Where was Anora filmed?
Anora was filmed primarily in Brooklyn, New York City, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Why was Brooklyn chosen as a filming location?
Brooklyn offers an authentic urban backdrop with diverse neighborhoods like Brighton Beach, Coney Island, and Mill Basin that perfectly reflect the character’s gritty, real-life experiences.
What are some key filming spots in Brooklyn used in the film?
Key locations include 156 Brighton 11th St (Anora’s house), 2939 Cropsey Ave (Parkview Diner), Brighton Beach, Coney Island, and areas in Midwood and Mill Basin.
What Las Vegas locations were featured in Anora?
Iconic spots such as The Little White Wedding Chapel, The Palms Casino Resort, and Fremont Street were used to add glamour and contrast to the narrative.
When was Anora filmed?
Filming took place in various locations in Brooklyn and Las Vegas throughout 2023, wrapping up before its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2024.