Cast
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Anna Diop
as Aisha
Michelle Monaghan
as Amy
Sinqua Walls
as Malik
Morgan Spector
as Adam
Rose Decker
as Rose
Leslie Uggams
as Kathleen
Olamide Candide Johnson
as Mariatou
Jahleel Kamara
as Lamine
Princess Adenike
as Nikki
Mitzie Pratt
as Florence
Keturah Hamilton
as Cynthia
Anna Quirino
as Filipina Nanny
Stephanie Jae Park
as Christie
Zephani Idoko
as Sallay
Ebbe Bassey
as Aunt Sarah
Crew
Director
- Nikyatu Jusu
Producer
- Nikkia Moulterie
- Daniela Taplin Lundberg
Reviews
Manuel São Bento
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/nanny-spoiler-free-review-sundance-2022
"Nanny boasts an intriguing story about maternal instincts that will also touch the hearts of many immigrants. Anna Diop probably delivers her career-best performance, commanding the screen in an almost mesmerizing manner.
The enclosed location is gorgeously handled by Rina Yang's remarkable cinematography, but the admittedly significant supernatural elements become too repetitive and too heavy throughout the runtime. The ending saves an impactful yet underwhelming revelation that warrants the eerie atmosphere, but the inevitable pacing issues may leave the audience too tired by that point.
Still, Nikyatu Jusu shows tremendous skill and braveness by tackling one of the most demanding filmmaking tasks while carrying a unique voice. One to look out for."
Rating: C+
Feb 21, 2022
Chris Sawin
_Nanny_ is a peculiar debut for Nikyatu Jusu. The performances in the film are decent, but Aisha’s experience in America feels like a terrible scavenger hunt with the world’s worst Cracker Jack prize as its reward. Other than forgetting your family forever and completely starting over from scratch in a new land, what _Nanny_ stands for is questionable as well. It’s essentially a pointless excursion into surreal nonsense.
**Full review:** https://reelrundown.com/movies/Nanny-2022-Review-Babysitting-the-Persnickety
Dec 10, 2022
Nathan
Nanny is dark psychological trip that takes a brutal look at the "American Dream" and deconstructs it in a brilliant way. The performances are spectacular all around, with Anna Diop absolutely shining and stealing the show. She was incredible, her range was fantastic and played the role with nuance it needed. The horror elements are nice, but this is more of a psychological thriller. The finale felt a bit rushed and some of the themes are slightly spoon-fed to the audience, but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the film.
Score: 82%
Verdict: Great
May 15, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Nanny presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Nikyatu Jusu brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Nanny took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Nanny shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rosemary's Baby, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Nanny offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Omen and Videodrome explore similar territory, Nanny stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 23, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 38m
Where to Watch
