Janet Planet

In the quiet rural area of Western Massachusetts, 11-year-old Lacy spends the summer of 1991 at home, immersed in her own world of fantasy and enjoying the unconditional attention of her mother, Janet. As time passes, her seemingly peaceful life is disrupted by the arrival of three individuals who, in one way or another, are drawn to Janet. Each of these visitors, with their own mysteries and desires, becomes entangled in the magnetic presence of Lacy’s mother, subtly yet profoundly shifting the family dynamic.

As the story progresses, Lacy begins to perceive the complexities and tensions underlying adult relationships, gradually discovering the fractures that exist in her world. Janet, a woman full of charm and vulnerability, becomes the center of attention for the three visitors, who seem to carry with them untold secrets and broken promises. Although fascinated by her mother's interactions with these strangers, Lacy begins to question the nature of her own reality and the image she holds of her mother.

As the summer days stretch on, the interactions between these characters slowly unveil hidden aspects of their lives and the family history Lacy is a part of. The young girl, an innocent but perceptive witness, finds herself caught between her admiration for her mother and the growing confusion caused by the adult dynamics that slowly become evident. The presence of the visitors not only disrupts the balance of her home but also sparks a series of reflections on the complexity of human relationships, love, and disillusionment.

The narrative centers on Lacy’s conflicting emotions as she learns to navigate between wonder and disillusionment, between the idealization of her mother and the tensions that arise from the increasing attention Janet receives. This story, rich with a melancholic atmosphere and a profound exploration of childhood and maturity, invites reflection on how early life experiences shape our perception of the world and the people around us.

Throughout the summer, Lacy begins to understand that relationships are not always what they seem and that reality can be far more complicated than the simple stories one imagines. The arrival of these three visitors, with their varying influences, gradually transforms Lacy's life and her views on love, loyalty, and the power of human attraction. By the end of the summer, the young girl faces a deeper understanding of her mother, herself, and the nuances of the interpersonal relationships that define her world.

Director: Annie Baker, Daniel Mulvaney, Kat Hess, Lain Kienzle, Laura Klein

Genre: Drama

Cast: Abby Harri, Carolyn Walker, Edie Moon Kearns, Elias Koteas, George Marshall, Jeremy Louise Eaton, John Peitso, Julianne Nicholson, June Walker Grossman, Laura Litterer, Luke Bosco, Mary Beth Brooker