By Alex Carter on June 28, 2024 •
The cyclical nature of human existence forms the backdrop of Janet Planet, Annie Baker’s directorial debut where she explores the adolescent transition through the eyes of a young girl. The film’s intricate portrayal of growing up contrasts sharply with conventional narratives by making poignant use of silence and ambient noise.
Set in Summer 1991, the film opens with a discomfited Lacy (rivetingly played by newcomer Zoe Ziegler), returning home from camp to spend time with her single mother, Janet (the ever-talented Julianne Nicholson), in rural Massachusetts. Rather than a summer of bonding, Lacy finds herself competing for her mother’s attention against Janet’s friends and suitors.
As a film about transitional moments, Janet Planet‘s unique selling point is its evocative use of perspective and soundscaping. Baker’s choices for capturing scenes are anything but typical. Rather than centering characters within the frame, she often shoots from oblique angles, subtly emphasizing the segmented, introspective nature of Lacy’s world.
This meticulous approach extends to Paul Hsu’s masterful sound design. Hsu, known for his work on Spotlight and Tick, Tick… Boom!, eschews a traditional musical score. Instead, he and Baker recorded two weeks’ worth of ambient noises from Western Massachusetts. This practice grounds the narrative in an acoustic tapestry that profoundly enhances its authenticity.
Nicholson embodies Janet with a nuanced performance that mirrors her struggle to balance motherhood and personal identity. Reflecting on being often labelled as underused
and underappreciated
, she brings depth to a character caught between parental duty and selfhood. This theme of transitioning identities rings true for both mother and daughter, with Lacy’s discoveries shifting between love, dependency, and autonomy.
Zoe Ziegler’s debut as Lacy stands out as a testament to Baker’s directorial vision. Her subtle portrayals – a mere head tilt or tear – speak volumes about her internal journey. The film serves as an auspicious start for Ziegler’s acting career as she navigates her hyper-anxious character’s complex relationship with her mom.
The supporting cast, including Will Patton as Wayne and Sophie Okonedo as Regina, add various dimensions to Janet’s world. Each character’s entrance marks a narrative shift akin to theatrical acts, suggesting Baker’s background as a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright informs much of the film’s structure.
A slow burn of a film that doesn’t outwardly state what it is or what it seeks to do
, Baker’s Janet Planet captures the hazy warmth of summer as it gently pushes Lacy towards a fledgling sense of independence. The result is a richly textured meditation on family dynamics that provides more contemplation than resolution.
A24’s Janet Planet opened in select theaters on June 21st and will be opening in wider release in North Carolina on June 28th.
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