Nanny

You've been separate from your son nearly a year, by an ocean that is wide and so austere, but you've managed to compose, started looking after Rose, with a family, who seem to be sincere. It's not too long before you struggle to get through, the guardian back home is engaged and eschews, it starts to play tricks with your mind, you find it hard to rest, unwind, while the parents take advantage over you.

Definitely not a horror film, but an innovative and imaginative insight into the psychology of a mother who loses contact with her young son, who she has left to build a new life in America for, while preparing for him to join her when the time is right. Anna Diop is outstanding, the interpretation challenging at times, the ending a little bizarre, but certainly something to get you thinking about, from a writer and director who clearly has some creativity.

Nikyatu Jusu's debut boasts a distinct visual style that works in its favor. While the writing in the final act and the predictable twist leave much to be desired, Nanny never falls short of engaging. It is led by a committed Anna Diop performance, and significantly aided by the sharp commentary on migrant issues, trauma, and African folklore. While Aisha (Diop) is well-written and performed, the other characters are found wanting. I thought Michelle Monaghan's character had a lot more to contribute to the story than just being a burnt-out, rich mommy. Turns out, the plot was simpler than you believed it to be. The truth about Aisha's son is something anyone can anticipate mid-way into the film, and it doesn't startle at all. Neither does the "Mami Wata" aspect acquire a more wholesome shape.

But, in essence, the film also gets some little details right. There's the banter between Aisha and Malik that's always interesting to listen to. We also get quick "life updates" whenever Aisha visits her regular money transfer service. I also liked how the intensity (and duration) of Aisha's nightmarish visions escalated each time. The film also duly acknowledges the struggles of nannies including not being paid on time and also, frequently overworking them. It's just that Jusu presents a lot of promising elements in the film, but they don't all come together as spectacularly as I'd have liked. But whatever shes does next will be exciting to keep an eye on!

This movie looked great in the opening scenes. Creepy house , weird silent monotone Child, clearly dysfunctional couple, sweet innocent immigrant nanny - all a recipe for disaster. But literally nothing happens . At all . There's a lot of dark , supposedly suspenseful sequences that are probably the "horror" element of the movie , but I don't really understand why this movie won any awards at all . It's perhaps too deep for someone without a degree in film appreciation, to actually enjoy, but the distinct feeling this movie leaves you with is akin to watching something you really want to eat, cook in the oven, only to be severely disappointed when you actually take a bite .

The primary reason I wanted to see this movie was because it won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 2022. So how bad could it possibly be, especially since they awarded it to CODA in 2021?

After sitting through this, I am absolutely clueless how this could have possibly won anything, much less such a prestigious prize. All these clues are building and building throughout the movie, and then when the "payoff" happens, you're just scratching your head wondering how they squandered it all.

The only good thing I can say about this movie is that Anna Diop is excellent as the Nanny, and I wouldn't be surprised if she becomes a big star down the road.

Other than that, I can't stress enough not to waste your time with this one. Look at all the other negative reviews this is receiving on IMDb! You'll thank us all if you avoid it.

Although this is labeled as a horror movie, I would rather put it more as a mistery/thriller. The director has found an interesting way to portray the difficulties of immigrant lives , especially the women immigrants which this movie is all about. If u lower your expectations and watch this movie for what it presents, you'll get a decent watch, if you expect something outstanding well, this one isn't that. There is an excellent twist towards the end and the ending itself, however if you are a huge filmophile and watch movies of this genres regularly you will probably see it coming. If you are a fan of Anna Diop or Michelle Monaghan you can expect good performances(although I expected a bit more than a side role for Michelle).