Annie Baker’s “Janet Planet” unfolds at a measured pace, and whether that approach resonates with you will likely depend on how you're feeling when you watch it. This understated, artistic film centers on 11-year-old Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) and her unconventional mother, Janet (Julianne Nicholson), living in rural Massachusetts during the early 1990s. It explores their relatable and intricate bond as Lacy matures and begi…

This film centers on a mother and daughter whose relationship feels unsettlingly intimate. The story follows the mother as she begins a relationship with a man who has mental health challenges and a speech impediment. The reasons behind their connection are never explained; perhaps it’s a matter of personal preference, or maybe it was simply her only option. She makes money selling questionable products, so it was…

Annie Baker doesn't seem to grasp the distinction between minimalism and emptiness in her debut feature as writer-director. To put it plainly, the film is tedious, pretentious, rambling, unfocused, and a significant waste of time. It’s so unengaging that it makes Kelly Reichardt’s films appear remarkably interesting by comparison. The story unfolds in 1991 within an arts community located in rural western Massachuset…