Humanity exists in cycles. We’re born, we propagate, and we die—with luck, improving things for the next generation before we go. Between these stages lie myriad steps, often overlooked but crucial for growth. This shift in perspective is brilliantly portrayed in Janet Planet, writer/director Annie Baker’s feature film debut. Through the lens of a young girl, viewers are invited into a liminal space where the boundaries of adolescence blur with self-awareness.
L-R: Julianne Nicholson as Janet and Zoe Ziegler as Lacy in Janet Planet. Photo Credit/Courtesy of A24.
A Dive into Summer 1991
Uncomfortable at camp, Lacy (newcomer Zoe Ziegler) returns home to spend the summer with her single-parent mother Janet (Julianne Nicholson) in rural Massachusetts. Rather than enjoying quality time with Janet ahead of her sixth-grade year, Lacy finds herself competing for attention amidst Janet’s suitors and friends. This dynamic thrusts young Lacy into reflections about love and familial bonds.
Photo by Ricardo Lopez. Courtesy of A24.
A Unique Approach to Narration
Annie Baker’s approach sets Janet Planet apart from typical coming-of-age stories through its unique perspective and soundscape. When first introduced to Lacy, she is notably positioned away from center frame, presenting a fragmented presence that echoes her internal state. This storytelling choice invites audiences into Lacy’s realm of partial understanding and evolving consciousness.
L-R: Julianne Nicholson as Janet and Zoe Ziegler as Lacy in Janet Planet. Photo Credit/Courtesy of A24.
The Power of Sound and Silence
The film’s ambient sounds further enrich this narrative fabric. Directed by Paul Hsu (Spotlight; Tick, Tick…Boom!), his work enlivens the sensory landscape with everyday sounds that evoke nostalgia. The oscillating fan, the rustle of leaves, and even Lacy’s portable piano practice imbue scenes with layers that dialogue alone could not convey.
L-R: Julianne Nicholson with Sophie Okonedo as Regina in Janet Planet. Photo Credit/Courtesy of A24.
A Stellar First Performance
Ziegler may be new to acting, but her performance packs a punch. Known for her YouTube channel centered around equestrian pursuits, she seamlessly transitions to the big screen. Her subtle yet powerful physical responses—like a well-timed head tilt or tearful eye—anchor her portrayal of Lacy’s complex emotions.
L-R: Julianne Nicholson as Janet and Will Patton as Wayne in Janet Planet. Photo Credit/Courtesy of A24.
The Rich Tapestry of Relationships
Nicholson masterfully balances sympathy and individuality as Janet. We feel for her struggle as a single mum while respecting her quest to maintain an identity outside of motherhood. Sophomore performances by Will Patton, Sophie Okonedo, and Elias Koteas enrich the narrative further, adding depth to this portrayal of interconnected lives.
Zoe Ziegler as Lacy in Janet Planet. Photo Credit/Courtesy of A24.
A Thoughtful Exploration of Parent-Child Bonds
This film captures the symbiotic relationship between parent and child often overlooked or simplified in cinema. It highlights the complex navigation of identities forming within this bond before venturing toward independence. As Lacy aims to stay close to Janet, believing their desires align, she learns that intentions do not always lead to mutual outcomes—a poignant takeaway crafted by Baker’s delicate touch in storytelling.
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