Principal photography took place in early 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. The plot centers on the relationship between sex worker Anora and the son of Russian oligarch Ivan Zakharov. The location was not chosen by chance: Brooklyn is a popular neighborhood among Russian speakers, as it has the largest community of migrants from the former Soviet republics. About half a million Slavs live in New York City, and most of them are concentrated in the Brighton Beach neighborhood (south of Brooklyn). The director, choosing the location, sought to faithfully convey the atmosphere of life of Russian-speaking residents of the prestigious neighborhood, while preserving the unique flavor of the environment. In addition to impressive mansions, many residents of this part of town have baseball fields, basketball courts and swimming pools. The commute to Manhattan takes about 45 minutes by car. All the exterior paraphernalia is designed to emphasize the financial status of Ivan's family and the contrast of their and Anora's lives.
“Tatiana Grill, a Russian restaurant in Brooklyn.
In movie
Scene where After a fight with his family over a secret wedding, Vanya runs away to an unknown destination. Anora, in the company of people sent by Ivan's father, spends most of the night driving around Brooklyn looking for the guy. One of the first establishments they go to look for him is Tatiana Grill. Toros asks for a microphone and announces to the audience that a "sick kid" is missing and asks for help in finding him.
Timing: 1:20:23
Real
Scene was shot at the Tatiana Grill restaurant, which is located on Brighton Beach. This is a popular establishment known for its Russian cuisine and atmosphere reflecting the culture and traditions of emigrants. Guests are offered a wide range of classic Russian and Eastern European dishes. It is not surprising that the heroes go looking for Vanya in this very place, since the restaurant is visited mainly by Russian-speaking people with ties to the Zakharov family.
New York
Little White Chapel
In movie
Scene where Ivan proposes to Anora and they elope to Las Vegas. The guys get married in the Little White Chapel and start frolicking on Strip Street, excitedly announcing their wedding to passersby while fake fireworks go off on the ceiling. This scene romanticizes the Vegas wedding in every way possible.
Timing: 00:39:08
Real
Scene was shot at the Little White Wedding Chapel is a cozy place to hold a wedding ceremony. Inside it is decorated with flowers and traditional wedding music is played for the newlyweds. The chapel has been in operation since 1951 and is often chosen by celebrities for their celebrations.
However, Las Vegas has a reputation as a place where people tend to indulge in their vices. By choosing this very location for the wedding of the main characters, the director seems to be trying to emphasize the impulsiveness of their decision.
Las Vegas
The mansion of Ivan Zakharov's parents
In movie
Scene where Anora comes to visit Vanya for the first time. The guy shows her his "modest" dwelling - a huge mansion on the seashore with an appropriate design, gates with guards, a fleet of expensive cars and a retinue of servants. Despite the owner's invitation to make herself at home, Ani obviously feels a little uncomfortable in such luxurious surroundings. Vanya jokingly calls the mansion "typical," demonstrating that such a standard of living is commonplace for Russian oligarchs in the United States.
Timing: 00:11:45
Real
Scene was shot in a house in the Mill Basin neighborhood of Brooklyn, it was once considered the most expensive in the borough, and in 2013 its price reached an impressive $30 million. "Mafia-style mansion" was not chosen by chance: for director Sean Baker it was important that the main character's dwelling was not just a set, but a real place with a unique history, reflecting the atmosphere of a certain part of Brooklyn. Shooting in this upscale residential neighborhood required the team to coordinate with the local community and the mayor's office.
New York
