A24's "Janet Planet," directed by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker, will be released nationwide this Friday, June 28th. This film marks Baker's debut in the cinematic world, and it is nothing short of a sublime exploration of childhood and maternal bonds set against the evocative backdrop of rural Western Massachusetts in the summer of 1991.
The story revolves around 11-year-old Lacy, played by Zoe Ziegler, who spends her summer immersed in her vivid imagination and the presence of her enchanting mother, Janet, portrayed by Julianne Nicholson. As the lazy months of summer roll by, three distinct characters visit their world, each inexplicably drawn to Janet's magnetic personality. These visitors include Elias Koteas, known for his role as Casey Jones in the Ninja Turtles series, whose mere presence adds a unique charm to the film. Koteas delivers a memorable performance, reminding us why he's always a standout in any cast.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Lacy, who inhabits a richly detailed inner world that slowly begins to blur the lines with reality. The film beautifully captures the passage of time and the bittersweet evolution of a daughter's perception of her mother. Lacy's inner world and her imaginative escapades are the heart of the film, making her absence from the screen palpably felt. Her performance is quite possibly one of the best child performances in recent years, anchoring the film with a compelling blend of curiosity and emotional depth.
"Janet Planet" boasts a solid soundtrack featuring nostalgic tracks like "Miracle Man" by Bob Carpenter and the theme from "Clarissa Explains It All," which enhance the film's nostalgic and atmospheric quality. The music, combined with the lush cinematography, creates a sensory experience that transports viewers to a specific time and place, making the film's setting almost a character in itself.
The supporting cast, including Will Patton as Wayne, delivers strong performances. Patton, despite randomly showcasing his weird feet in one scene, elevates the film with his portrayal of a somewhat odd but intriguing character. His presence, along with that of Sophie Okonedo and the others, adds depth to the story's exploration of the various individuals who drift in and out of Janet's life, almost like chapters in a book.
However, the film does have its slower moments. Some scenes, particularly Zoe’s piano lessons, feel drawn out and somewhat unnecessary, potentially disrupting the film's pacing. These moments, though few, may test the patience of some viewers.
Visually, "Janet Planet" is stunning. The cinematography captures the beauty of the Western Massachusetts landscape, with the sound of rustling leaves and the hum of summer creating a dreamlike quality. Baker's screenplay skillfully uses the sweltering summer setting to evoke a sense of stagnation and the complexity of a child's world, resisting the typical carefree portrayal of childhood summers.
While "Janet Planet" might not be the female perspective counterpart to "Aftersun" as I had hoped, it stands out in its own right as a tender and introspective film. It explores the ineffable moments of growing up and the gradual, sometimes painful, shift in the parent-child dynamic. For those who appreciate beautifully shot films with strong performances, "Janet Planet" is a must-watch.
Jessie Hobson