Annie Baker’s debut film, Janet Planet, is a slow burn that lingers long after the credits roll. Set in 1991, it follows 11-year-old Lacy, who dislikes summer camp and calls her mom, Janet, to pick her up. We then meet Janet, a caring but uncertain mother navigating life in rural Massachusetts.
Janet Planet is more than your typical coming-of-age story. It deals with the choices we make, how they shape our paths, and whether we can change course. This is true for both Lacy, who’s figuring out her world, and Janet, who grapples with her own desires and past decisions.
Both Nicholson and Ziegler deliver interesting performances. Nicholson portrays Janet with such authenticity that you feel connected to her even when her words are muffled.
Ziegler beautifully captures the curiosity and wonder of childhood. A scene where Lacy accidentally overhears a conversation between Janet and an old friend is both funny and heartbreaking, showcasing the film’s emotional depth.
Janet Planet is a poignant portrait of a mother-daughter relationship. Its quiet moments feel significant, building a world that’s both intimate and vast. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve witnessed a real life unfold, leaving you changed, just like the characters themselves.
