Nanny

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!

The truth about this movie is that it was well written, well cast, and well acted. So what's the problem right?... the ending. I'm not going to spoil it for those who haven't seen it but I liked this movie all the way until the last 2 minutes. Maybe I'm being harsh but I just didn't understand why they went that route. Like I say in every review, you should judge for yourself. Every interpretation is different and unique to that viewer. My interpretation is that they ruined a pretty good movie with that ending. AND they swept my legs out from under me too. It's unfortunate. I really wanted to like it.

The movie captivated me through beginning to about 2/3 through. Its well acted and filmed. I was expecting horror and all that comes with it. It has some of the beginnings of it: strange visions or possibly the character's' imagination- director leaves the answer unclear. Some mystical, African, supernatural myths. It also showcases the plight of hardworking immigrants and the struggles that come with being undocumented, plus the elitist, self-serving duplicitous nature of a Manhattan-based , socially sympathetic WASP couple posing as being caring, activist-oriented, and racially blind. Aahh! That may have been thee horror part, but I say it's simply drama focusing on the the great social divide. The end really leaves the audience with a lot of new and old questions. But no answers- perhaps that's purposeful. The big picture of the ending is clear enough but left me feeling cheated - very much like the main character. Wrapped up better, this could easily been a highly recommended drama (IMDB 6, 7 maybe 8), or even a horror movie . But it's simply a mostly, watchable film.

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 .

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).