Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Offbeat but slow coming-of-age has language, mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Janet Planet
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
JANET PLANET is a coming-of-age drama about a lonely, quirky 11-year-old girl named Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) and her unconventional single mom, Janet (Julianne Nicholson), as they try to navigate their complex relationship during one summer in rural Massachusetts.
Is It Any Good?
Great acting is overshadowed by a tediously slow, thin story in this reflective drama that's not for the impatient. Offbeat and melancholy, Janet Planet relies more on subtle inferences and emotional facial expressions than character development and a fully realized coming-of-age experience. Quirky nuances and character connections between Janet and Lacy are lost in a series of fairly nonsensical scenes. First-time director Annie Baker's film is ultimately original but bizarre, serving as a clear reminder of why storytelling is an integral part of a great film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the unconventional parenting in Janet Planet. Do you think the relationship between Janet and Lacy is healthy? Why, or why not? What do you think is needed for a healthy parent-child relationship?
Why do you think that Lacy is called an "aggressive" child? What's the risk of labeling someone based on their behavior?
What other movies have you seen about unconventional parent-child relationships? How does this one compare?
What makes something a "coming-of-age" story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 21, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : July 30, 2024
- Cast : Zoe Ziegler , Julianne Nicholson , Elias Koteas , Will Patton
- Director : Annie Baker
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brief strong language, some drug use and thematic elements
- Last updated : September 5, 2024
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