In rural Western Massachusetts, 11-year-old Lacy spends the summer of 1991 at home, enthralled by her own imagination and the attention of her mother, Janet. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker captures a child’s experience of time passing, and the ineffability of a daughter falling out of love with her mother, in this singularly sublime film debut.
REVIEW:
Annie Baker’s directorial debut, Janet Planet, is a contemplative and intimate portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship set in rural Massachusetts in 1991. The film stars Julianne Nicholson as Janet and Zoe Ziegler as her 11-year-old daughter, Lacy. The story unfolds over a summer, capturing the nuanced dynamics between the two as they navigate love, loss, and identity.
Baker, known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning plays, brings her signature touch to the screen with a focus on small, everyday moments that reveal deep emotional truths. The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the lush, quiet world Baker creates. This approach may not appeal to everyone, but it beautifully mirrors the introspective nature of the characters’ lives.
Nicholson delivers a standout performance as Janet, a single mother working as an acupuncturist, who is both a nurturing presence and a figure of quiet strength. Ziegler’s portrayal of Lacy is equally compelling, capturing the innocence and intensity of a child deeply attached to her mother. Their interactions are filled with tenderness and tension, reflecting the complexities of their bond.
The film’s cinematography is another highlight, with its rich, naturalistic visuals that enhance the story’s emotional depth. The rural setting becomes a character in itself, providing a serene backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Janet Planet is not a film driven by plot but by the subtleties of human connection. It requires patience and an appreciation for the beauty in the mundane. For those willing to take the journey, it offers a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience.
Janet Planet gets a 3,5/5 or a B+. It’s streaming on Max.
CREDITS:
Directed by
Written by
Annie Baker
Produced by
- Dan Janvey
- Derrick Tseng
- Annie Baker
- Andrew Goldman
Starring
- Julianne Nicholson
- Zoe Ziegler
- Elias Koteas
- Will Patton
- Sophie Okonedo
Cinematography
Maria von Hausswolf
Edited by
Lucian Johnston
Production
companies
Distributed by
A24
Release dates
- September 1, 2023(Telluride)
- June 21, 2024(United States)
Running time
113 minutes[1]
Country
United States
Language
English
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