Year: 2023

Runtime: 110 minutes

Director/Writer:: Annie Baker

Actors:  Zoe Ziegler, Julianne Nicholson, Will Patton, Sophie Okonedo, Elias Koteas

By Tom Moore

Prolific Pulitzer-winning playwright Annie Baker makes her film directorial debut with “Janet Planet” – a sun-soaked summer comedy that features hilarious performances and a vision from Baker that won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

The film follows Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) – a young girl who gets her mom Janet (Julianne Nicholson) to pull her out of summer camp after she feels out of place. Once they reunite, the two spend the entire summer together and Lacy comes to realize how special her mother is – not only to her but others as well. As Lacy sees her mother interact with three different people that roll in and out of their life throughout the summer, she gains a new perspective on Janet and the important role she plays in everyone’s life.

Baker gets viewers laughing at “Janet Planet” almost immediately through Lacy’s blunt way of handling things and Ziegler’s performance. It’s amazing to see how hilariously cold Lacy can be and Ziegler’s line-delivery is superb. She’s closed-off in a way that makes her social interactions very short and sweet, and she makes crass comments in a very direct manner – which ultimately creates a lot of laughs. The strengths of Lacy being an adorably frigid protagonist directly stem from how she’s excellently characterized in Baker’s writing. She might be quiet and to herself for the most part, but when she says what’s on her mind, it can be downright comical.

Ziegler equally makes Lacy immensely enjoyable, and the presence she brings gives her arc a nostalgic coming of age feel. Sure, Baker’s comedy shines through some of the funny editing gags in the transitions, the off-beat vibes of her approach, and some of the intriguing personalities that are elevated by amazing supporting performances. But it’s Ziegler’s breakout performance as Lacy that delivers great comedic bits that mix well with Baker’s direction and writing – which add their own unique personal touch to Lacy’s perspective.

Lacy emphatically embodies those shy years that some kids go through as they try to understand themselves and the world/people around them. For Lacy, her idealistic summer of spending alone time with her mom is upended by the constant arrival of different people close to Janet – often causing her to take a backseat. It makes her more of a voyeur in this story and someone who audiences can immerse themselves into and soak in her experience. Despite her being mostly to herself, there’s a palpable curiosity to Lacy’s that is easily translates to audiences. As she silently thinks about the people who come into her life throughout the summer, viewers will be doing the same – judging the way they talk to her, act towards her mom, and even generally think about things. With Lacy having this sense of wonder about herself and the people around her, viewers – especially adult viewers – are brought into this younger view of the world that’s nostalgic and widens your perceptions.

It brings audiences back to a time where they questioned everything and really took notice of their parents in a way that deeply made an impression on them. For Lacy, she sees how her mother is such a draw for people and the ways she helps, heals, and/or comforts them – to the point where she’ll shelter them without question. Janet is just one of those vulnerable souls who are willing to take in those close to them even if it means they lose part of themselves or their freedoms in the process. Whether it’s on good/mutual terms or suddenly and gone too soon, there are distinct feelings when Janet’s company comes and goes. Lacy’s lens gives her mother’s role a more unique storytelling angle and ultimately weaves together an emotionally relatable tale.

The aspects of “Janet Planet” surrounding Janet and Lacy’s relationship have some really strong elements that give the overall experience more food for thought. As “Janet Planet” goes on, the initially strange title slowly gains meaning that ties to the ways that people revolve around Janet for her caring capabilities. The dynamic between Janet and Lacy constantly takes new form and matures not only due to Ziegler and Nicholson giving such honest and grounded performances, but also through Baker’s strong handling of these characters. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see a character like Lacy be treated with an intrigue and perception that you wouldn’t always see in other films, and it works in giving her, Janet, and other characters interactions that are funny, but also tug on some tender chords. Lacy can have thoughtful questions and conversations that ultimately make “Janet Planet” churn in people’s minds as a cathartic experience.

Still though, audiences may not be able to fully invest themselves in “Janet Planet” because of the type of film it ultimately ends up being. “Janet Planet” is your typical arthouse film through and through – which is both a gift and curse. Sure, Baker presents conversations and arcs with rich, connective potential with a more understated approach. But it is simply too lax and struggles to keep viewers on the hook because of its relatively uneventful story and rarely changes its mostly muted tone. The film needs stronger technical elements – whether in score or cinematography – just to give it an energetic pop or a lasting identity. It’s far too slow in its pacing and quickly becomes a drag when there isn’t anything important or impactful happening on-screen. Not to mention, some of the more abstract storytelling Baker implements at times – especially in the final act – don’t come off clear and can lead to more unengaging aspects to the experience. Overall, “Janet Planet” has the substance but can’t utilize enough style or implement memorable hooks to completely keep audiences reeled in.

There’s a simplistic and meaningful story that Baker tells with “Janet Planet” that thrives in the humorous writing, well-captured performances, and moments where the film is more direct. However, it can lose its luster when the storytelling takes lofty routes and struggles to feel like anything more than a sparkless arthouse flick. Baker shows tons of potential to be the same kind of incredible force she’s been as a playwright and despite the film’s flaws, “Janet Planet” still has impressive elements that make for a good debut.