From the outset of Janet Planet, the stunning feature debut by acclaimed playwright and writer-director Annie Baker, produced by A24, a subtle rhythm captures your attention and doesn’t release it for the next two hours. The film, true to its title, draws you into an expansive yet intimate world. It beautifully portrays how a single person can embody an entire universe, making you feel as if you’re drifting through time, irresistibly drawn to its central character.
The film moves with a gentle, assured grace, vividly depicting a mother-daughter relationship that unfolds before your eyes. While it resonates with the works of great directors like Kelly Reichardt, particularly her recent film Showing Up, Janet Planet also carves out its own unique experience. Though it may not be the first standout film of 2024, it is undoubtedly destined to be one of the year’s finest by its end.
What Is Janet Planet About?
The film begins with 11-year-old Lacy, portrayed with remarkable depth by newcomer Zoe Ziegler, who is struggling at summer camp and calls her mother for pickup. Although Lacy initially wants to leave, she realizes she will be missed by the other children and decides to stay. We then meet Janet, portrayed masterfully by Julianne Nicholson, a kind yet often conflicted mother trying to find her way in their rural Western Massachusetts home in 1991. Janet’s journey intersects with Wayne, played by Will Patton from Silo, who joins her to collect Lacy and brings his own issues that disrupt their fragile equilibrium.
The film adopts a keenly observational style, capturing both humorous and poignant moments as it explores how the people in Janet’s life affect her world. Structured in segments that highlight different individuals who enter Janet’s life, the film’s focus on small, significant moments paints a picture of lasting impact, even within a single summer.
While it might seem like a conventional coming-of-age story, Baker’s approach is refreshingly unconventional, minimizing overt conflict to delve deeper into character. The challenges faced are present but not the film’s primary focus. Instead, Janet Planet examines how individuals get entrenched in certain paths and whether escape is possible. The film balances Lacy’s youthful experiences with Janet’s self-discovery. Janet, despite drawing others to her, also grapples with her own direction.
In a pivotal scene, Janet reconnects with someone from her past, gaining insights into herself. Her realization about her ability to attract love—while leaving questions about reciprocation and self-love unresolved—culminates in a poignant and humorous moment when Lacy overhears the conversation. This depth and sensitivity are what make Janet Planet exceptional, offering a nuanced portrayal that feels both complete and precarious.
Julianne Nicholson Shines in Janet Planet
While Baker deserves praise for capturing a specific time and place with such authenticity, Nicholson’s performance grounds the film with a naturalness that makes Janet’s world feel intimately real. Nicholson’s portrayal is captivating, drawing you in even when her words are not heard. Zoe Ziegler’s remarkable debut adds to the film’s emotional resonance, with her performance capturing the wonder of youth. Near the film’s conclusion, Janet Planet achieves a transcendent moment as it steps outside Janet’s secluded life, reflecting on her desires and aspirations.
The film’s effective misdirection and thoughtful resolution make it a quietly powerful and essential journey. It is as expansive emotionally as the universe itself while delving into the simplicity of lives in a small corner of the world. Like those who orbit Janet, especially the evolving Lacy, viewers will find themselves changed, only to eventually drift away.
