Annie Baker crafts an intimate and compelling narrative in Janet Planet, set against the backdrop of the Pioneer Valley in 1991. The film revels in the specifics of this locale: from the brown, overgrown grass atop Mount Pollux to the emptiness of the parking lot in front of Hadley’s JCPenney at Hampshire Mall. These settings are not just scenery but actors themselves, integral to the temporal and emotional landscape Baker seeks to capture.
Baker’s journey with Janet Planet began years ago, as a concept stored in a Word document since her early 20s—long before the film took its full shape. She began writing it earnestly in 2020 after the birth of her daughter. Baker, known for her realistic dialogue, approaches this project from an imagistic place: It can even be something I’m feeling in the present… It is almost like transcribing a dream.
The film navigates the lives of Janet, played by Julianne Nicholson, and her daughter Lacy, through a series of interactions with three visitors who add layers to their story. Will Patton’s portrayal of Janet’s unstable boyfriend Wayne, Sophie Okonedo’s Regina seeking a fresh start, and Elias Koteas’ Avi—a charismatic puppeteer with a director’s magnetism—are characters who enter and exit their lives.
The Mother-Daughter Dynamic
The mother-daughter relationship is core to Janet Planet. Lacy’s quest for connection and independence is poignantly reflected in her plea to her mother: Could I have a piece of you? A little piece of you to sleep with.
This encapsulates the film’s tension—a loving but claustrophobic bond that reflects broader themes of maternal dependence and personal growth.
The portrayal of Janet isn’t a singular embodiment but rather an amalgamation: It came from all of us,
says Baker. This collage-like character invites viewers to explore universal questions about motherhood. Regina articulates this best when she asks: What are we even talking about when we talk about mothers?
Lacy’s Journey
Lacy’s attempts to find order within her world, juxtaposed against disorderly adult lives, highlights her struggle and growth. Comforting herself by arranging miniature creatures, including a tiny purple-haired troll gifted by a fellow camper, symbolizes Lacy’s effort to impose control.
Annie Baker’s choice of setting is crucial. The specificity of generations and real locales anchors the story deeply. As Baker notes: This was what I was working with. This was the material.
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