Annie Baker, one of America’s most revered playwrights, transitions to the world of cinema with her film Janet Planet. Set against the backdrop of rural Massachusetts in the early 1990s, the film is a tender exploration of a mother-daughter relationship through the lens of 11-year-old Lacy, played by Zoe Ziegler, and her mother Janet, portrayed by Julianne Nicholson. Known for her Chekhovian subtlety in plays, Baker brings a similar slow-burn, introspective approach to her directorial debut, capturing both the beauty and burdens of their bond. Janet Planet is not a conventional coming-of-age story. Rather, it is a study in quiet moments, small gestures, and the gentle shifts in relationships that resonate deeply, for those willing to listen.
A Delicate Look at a Fractured Family Dynamic
The plot of Janet Planet might sound simple on the surface—a summer in the life of Lacy and her single mother Janet, drifting through time, while others enter and exit their world. But its strength lies in the minimalism and depth of its character study. Lacy, a precocious child on the cusp of adolescence, spends her summer observing and orbiting around her mother like, well, a planet. Janet is the gravitational force in Lacy’s world, and this dynamic comes alive through Baker’s attention to detail.
What makes this story resonate is the way it subtly explores themes of independence and the painful moments when children begin to view their parents not as omnipotent figures, but as flawed humans. Through the small vignettes of their summer, Baker explores how Janet’s romantic entanglements, with characters like the emotionally distant Wayne (Will Patton), the whimsical Regina (Sophie Okonedo), and the charismatic Avi (Elias Koteas), affect both Janet’s emotional world and Lacy’s perception of her mother. These relationships represent Janet’s own search for identity outside of motherhood, even as Lacy clings to her, desperate for stability.
Baker’s dialogue is sparse, often giving way to silence, which in some ways speaks louder than words ever could. The film doesn’t dwell on plot points or large dramatic twists but instead invites the audience to sit with its characters in their most vulnerable, unspoken moments. This subtle pacing might alienate viewers used to traditional cinematic rhythm, but for those who appreciate the slow unraveling of character dynamics, it’s a masterstroke.
A Love Letter to 1991 Massachusetts
Janet Planet doesn’t just exist in a bubble of emotional complexity—it’s also steeped in nostalgia. Shot on 16mm film, the grainy texture and natural lighting evoke the feeling of a summer long past, one soaked in the warmth of the sun-drenched woods of rural Massachusetts. The cinematography, led by Maria von Hausswolff, is a visual treat that further deepens the immersive quality of the film’s setting. From the rolling green hills to the creaky floors of Janet’s house, every frame is meticulously crafted to pull the viewer into Lacy’s world.
The rural landscape in Janet Planet is as much a character as Janet and Lacy themselves. It reflects the internal emotional states of both—the wide-open spaces evoke Janet’s yearning for freedom from the responsibilities of parenthood, while the isolation of the countryside mirrors Lacy’s sense of loneliness and longing. Despite this, there are moments where the natural beauty of the setting provides a kind of solace. A scene where Janet and Lacy attend a theatrical performance in the woods stands out as a visual and emotional high point, with its surreal, magical atmosphere offering a temporary escape from their often frustrating, real-world lives.
Baker’s own upbringing in Massachusetts seeps into the narrative, making the story feel deeply personal. There’s a haunting sense of nostalgia that permeates the film, not just for a time or place, but for the tender moments between parent and child that are fleeting and fragile.
Themes of Identity, Freedom, and Loss
At its core, Janet Planet is a meditation on identity and freedom—both for Janet as a woman trying to rediscover herself outside the role of mother and for Lacy as a child trying to understand her place in a world that’s beginning to feel too big and too complicated. As Janet navigates her various romantic entanglements, there is an underlying tension between her desire to break free and Lacy’s desperate need for her mother’s undivided attention.
Lacy’s evolution over the summer is marked by small yet poignant moments of realization. One of the film’s strengths is how it portrays the internalization of these shifts. Lacy doesn’t have big emotional outbursts or tearful confrontations—instead, her feelings simmer just below the surface, only occasionally bubbling up in moments of deadpan humor, such as when she dryly remarks to her mother, “Every moment of my life is hell.”
Meanwhile, Janet’s journey is one of self-reflection and perhaps quiet resignation. The people who come and go in their lives—Wayne, with his depressive tendencies, Regina, with her chaotic energy, and Avi, with his magnetic presence—all serve as distractions for Janet. Yet, none of them can offer her the sense of fulfillment she’s looking for. By the end of the film, the mother-daughter bond that has been stretched thin begins to show signs of wear, but there’s also a sense of peace in the acceptance that their relationship, like all relationships, will evolve.
A Film for the Patient and Thoughtful Viewer
Janet Planet is not a film that will please everyone, and that’s okay. Its slow pacing, long silences, and lack of conventional plot structure may leave some viewers frustrated. But for those who are willing to sit with it, to immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of its world and the rich emotional terrain it explores, Janet Planet is a rewarding experience.
Julianne Nicholson delivers a nuanced, heartfelt performance as Janet, balancing the character’s warmth with a sense of weary detachment. Zoe Ziegler, in her film debut, is equally impressive as Lacy, capturing the character’s precociousness and vulnerability in equal measure. Their performances are complemented by a strong supporting cast, particularly Sophie Okonedo, whose portrayal of Regina brings both levity and depth to the film.
Final Thoughts
Janet Planet is an intimate, beautifully crafted film that serves as a quiet reflection on the complexities of motherhood and growing up. While it may not cater to mainstream tastes, it’s a film that rewards patience and introspection. Annie Baker’s debut proves her prowess as a filmmaker, capturing the small, often overlooked moments that define our relationships and ourselves.
In the world of coming-of-age dramas, Janet Planet stands out for its emotional depth and subtle storytelling. It’s a film that invites viewers to sit with their own feelings of nostalgia, loss, and love, and in doing so, it offers a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.
