Janet Planet Review: Tranquil Drama Considers The Idea That We Will Never Fully Know Ourselves
Janet (Julianne Nicholson), an unassuming hippie-adjacent acupuncturist living with her 11-year-old daughter Lacy (Zoe Ziegler), lives somewhere between New England's rugged beaches and the rolling slopes of the Berkshires. It's the summer of 1991, and Lacy has been sent to camp, but not for long. Lacy contacts her mother at the beginning of the film and threatens to commit suicide if she is not picked up from camp. When Janet arrives and all of Lacy's bunkmates are saddened to see her leave, Lacy has second thoughts: "I didn't know they liked me." It's too late, however.
Lacy has already shattered Janet's idyllic summer fantasies, and her boyfriend, plainly upset, is waiting in the car. Janet Planet is full of these understated comedic moments. It's a thoughtful picture that uses the leisure of summer to set the tone for a calm drama about a mother and daughter's connection and how, even in middle age and pre-teenhood, both may learn from each other. Annie Baker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright from Massachusetts, wrote and directed Janet Planet, her feature debut. Baker's knowledge with the area lends Janet Planet a specific feeling of place, as does Baker's command of the camera, but there's also a universality to it and the film's center pair that elevates it to something even more moving.
Janet and Lacy Are A Perfect Pair In Janet Planet.
Janet is a difficult lady to pin down; at times ethereal and flighty, at others grounded and seemingly overly aware, she's settled into her habits even when unrest arises. We see her paired with a variety of people in a rotating ensemble of characters. There's her lover Wayne (Will Patton), a rough man who goes around Janet's wood-paneled house with a sense of entitlement and little concern for Lacy. Janet's caring instincts kick in with Wayne, and she looks after him while he suffers from headaches, telling Lacy to remain out of her darkened bedroom and doing acupuncture on him to alleviate some of his agony. Regina, a friend, comes to stay with Janet and Lacy when they reconnect at a local performance. Regina represents Janet's potential, if Lacy had not been in her life. Janet is hesitant to stare at the mirror for long, and Regina, despite the fact that having more female energy about the house is wonderful, leaves as well. Lacy is the sole constant in Janet's life, and the focus of her universe. Ziegler provides a magnificent portrayal as Lacy, with eyes full of inquiry even when boredom sets in, as it often does in the summer heat. The debut actor is unassumingly entertaining, flowing through her surroundings rather than tiptoeing around them. She gives Lacy a sense of precociousness that avoids the arrogance of know-it-alls, but it is her curiosity that propels her. Lacy grows increasingly attuned to the world's hidden frequencies as she observes Janet and the numerous guests who come and depart.
The signal that passes between Janet and Lacy is one of those secret frequencies, and it is also the most noticeable. As the title implies, Janet is in her own universe, and everything in the film revolves around her. But when it comes to Lacy, it's difficult to determine who is circling around whom, as their gravitational attraction keeps them both in a stable orbit. Lacy occasionally acts older than her age, which surprises Janet. However, when she stares closely at her daughter, she appears to feel a sense of understanding.
Janet Planet Is Annie Baker's Serene Debut.
Janet worries like any mother, especially one whose child is as unusual as Lacy, but Lacy serves as a calming force for her fears. Janet has clearly lived a life of intention, despite moments of hesitation. Maybe Janet is so guarded because she is afraid that her hesitation and isolation may rub off on Lacy, or perhaps there is some invisible power driving Baker's cinematic language. Little puzzles like this let the characters of Janet Planet feel fully developed. These interior lives, which we do not have access to, are just as rich as what we see on TV.
Perhaps it's the realization that no matter how hard we try, we'll never truly understand ourselves. People around us see things in us that we never considered; being seen in this way is a form of intimacy in and of itself. Janet Planet concludes with Lacy watching her mother from a distance, her gaze following her around the room. Janet's candor with Lacy enables her daughter to view her in a way that encourages Lacy to examine inward. Still, our sense of self is only one aspect of our personality; how we are perceived by others provides additional insight. In this way, Janet and Lacy are ideal partners, teaching each other things they already know.
Janet Planet: A Look at Mother-Daughter Relationships
Janet Planet is a quiet and meditative film that delves into the delicate and often subtle relationship between a mother and daughter. The film dives into Janet and Lacy's inner lives, revealing their vulnerabilities, insecurities, and the unseen relationships that keep them together. Through their interactions, we see how they learn and grow, managing life's problems and creating profound connections that span generations.
Janet Planet is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, encouraging meditation on the complexities of human connections and the enduring power of family. The film's examination of the mother-daughter bond is both personal and global, reminding us that even in the most unorthodox households, love, understanding, and acceptance can thrive.
Janet Planet: A Movie for Introspective Viewers.
Janet Planet will be released in a limited number of theaters on June 21 and worldwide on June 28. The film is rated PG-13 due to brief strong language, drug use, and thematic issues.
Janet Planet is a dramatic and thought-provoking film about family, identity, and self-discovery. The film's distinct blend of comedy, drama, and contemplation provides a new viewpoint on the human condition. Janet Planet, with its outstanding performers, engaging tale, and breathtaking photography, is a must-see for fans of independent drama and contemplative stories.
