Nanny (2022) Review: A Haunting Tale of Dreams and Dislocation

Welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. Today, we're going to review Nanny from 2022.

Nanny, directed and written by Nikiatu Jusu, is a film that attempts to blend horror with drama,

exploring the life of Aisha, an immigrant Nanny from Senegal. The movie is set in the bustling

backdrop of New York City, where Aisha, played by Anna Dyop, is hired by an affluent Upper East Side

family to care for their young daughter Rose. As Aisha navigates her new life,

she is haunted by visions and dreams that threaten to unravel her pursuit of the American dream.

The film's strength lies in its exploration of the immigrant experience, particularly the

challenges faced by those who leave their homeland in search of a better life. Aisha's story

is one of resilience and determination, as she works tirelessly to bring her son Lamine

to America. Her relationship with Rose is heartwarming, providing a glimpse of hope

amidst the chaos of her employer's dysfunctional marriage. Michelle Monahan and Morgan Spectre

portray Amy and Adam Rose's parents, whose self-absorbed behaviors often leave Aisha to pick up

the pieces. Jussu's film is visually captivating with cinematographer Rina Yang's use of blue and

green hues, adding a mystical quality to the narrative. The supernatural elements rooted in

African folklore introduce characters like the water spirit Mammy Wata and the trickster spider

Anancy. These elements, while intriguing, sometimes feel disconnected from the main plot,

leaving the audience wanting more cohesion. Anodeop delivers a powerful performance, capturing Aisha's

internal struggle with grace and depth. Her interactions with her son via video calls are

particularly poignant, highlighting the emotional toll of separation. The film also touches on themes

of racial dynamics and the exploitation of immigrant workers, with Aisha often being short

changed and overworked by her employers. Despite its strengths, nanny struggles with pacing and

narrative focus. The horror elements, while atmospheric, lack the tension and payoff expected

from the genre. The film's attempt to balance drama and horror results in an uneven experience

with some plot points feeling underdeveloped. The romantic subplot between Aisha and Malik,

played by Sinkwa Walls, offers moments of warmth but ultimately feels secondary to the main

narrative. Nanny is a film that shines in its portrayal of the immigrant experience and the

complexities of cultural dislocation. However, its ambition to merge horror with drama sometimes

fall short, leaving the audience with a sense of unfulfilled potential. While the film may not

fully satisfy fans of either genre, it remains a visually stunning and thought-provoking

exploration of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of dreams. So that's my review of Nanny

and I'm giving it three stars out of a maximum of five stars. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed

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