Anora: Using the “Sea Change” to Supercharge Structure
In this episode, Jacob Krueger explores how Anora, the Oscar-winning film by Sean Baker, uses one of the most powerful tools of screenwriting structure: the “Sea Change.” Drawing from 7-Act Structure, Jacob breaks down how the midpoint of Anora functions not just as a plot twist, but as a seismic emotional shift for the protagonist — one that transforms both the character and the film itself. Rather than saving the biggest moments for the end, Baker brings them to the middle of the film — an approach that flips the “Pretty Woman” genre expectations he sets up in the first half to create “funhouse mirror” reversals in the second half, and unlock deeper character complexity. Listeners will learn: * What a sea change”Sea Change” is (and why it’s not just the “midpoint”) * How Anora builds its innovative structure as a response to Pretty Woman. * How a ”Sea Change” powers both your character’s arc and your story structure * Why “Saving the Best for First” can make your screenplay more original * How Anora uses mirrored scenes, tonal shifts, and flipped expectations to deepen its meaning * How to move beyond cliché and find the real emotional truth of your story * Why strong screenplays emerge not from plans—but from discovering what lies on the other side of your character’s biggest choice Whether you’re just starting out or revising a finished draft, this episode will help you see your structure—and your characters—in a whole new way. Join Jake for free every Thursday night at Thursday Night Writes, RSVP here and check all of our classes!