Once again, indie studio A24 takes a gamble on an unproven filmmaker and delivers a profoundly personal and evocative glimpse into the enigmatic world of childhood. “Janet Planet,” the latest addition to A24’s repertoire of deeply intimate portrayals of youth, continues the tradition set by previous masterpieces like “Moonlight,” “Lady Bird,” “Aftersun,” and “Eighth Grade.”
Annie Baker, known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning play “The Flick,” ventures into the world of cinema with her directorial debut. Her transition from theater to film may appear unconventional, but it yields a remarkable result: a movie that feels as meticulously crafted and evocative as A24’s acclaimed titles while maintaining its unique identity.
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“Janet Planet” explores the poignant evolution of an 11-year-old girl’s attachment to her single mother during the transformative summer between fifth and sixth grades. Baker’s narrative strikes a chord with its honest, endearing, and occasionally bittersweet portrayal of this profound mother-daughter relationship. Watching the film is akin to tracing one’s fingers along a childhood scar, transporting the viewer back to the moment of its creation.
Annie Baker, hailing from the theater world, has made a captivating transition to cinema, embracing the medium’s imperfections while offering her distinctive perspective. Although the film’s structure may seem unconventional and the visuals relatively static (lacking a score and minimal camera movement), it shines with authenticity, thanks to the meticulous character development.
Julianne Nicholson portrays Janet, an acupuncturist living in Western Massachusetts in 1991. Nicholson effortlessly embodies a woman who might have been considered a hippie in the preceding decades. Janet’s tranquil existence unfolds within a spacious cabin nestled among trees, which serves as the backdrop for the film’s primary character, Lacy (played by Zoe Ziegler), and her memories of this pivotal summer.
The film commences at a summer camp, where Lacy’s desire to leave is expressed dramatically over a payphone. This opening scene captures the essence of childhood, where emotions run high, and the boundaries of one’s desires are continually tested. Lacy’s intense bond with her mother becomes evident when she reunites with Janet and endeavors to regain her undivided attention.
“Janet Planet” is not a strictly realistic portrayal, as some elements are embellished or rendered surreal. Nevertheless, it remains grounded in authentic human psychology. The film unfolds in three segments, each introducing a different adult figure who disrupts Lacy’s exclusive connection with her mother. These characters form a unique love triangle with Janet, creating an engaging dynamic that keeps viewers captivated.
Annie Baker’s script showcases characters articulating complex emotions with eloquence, allowing audiences to witness genuine human interactions. Julianne Nicholson and newcomer Zoe Ziegler breathe life into these characters, making their interactions unforgettable. “Janet Planet” may appear understated at times, but its subtlety invites viewers to find depth in its simplicity.
In her stage productions, Annie Baker excels at extracting meaning from ordinary moments. “Janet Planet” follows suit, offering a collection of seemingly small moments that ultimately form a larger narrative. While the film may seem slender to some, its design allows viewers to bring their interpretations and experiences to enrich the viewing experience.
“Janet Planet” serves as a testament to Annie Baker’s original sensibility and her ability to craft a moving and intimate story that resonates deeply with its audience. It joins the ranks of A24’s remarkable portfolio of films that celebrate the authenticity of human experiences and emotions.