We Grown Now

Writer-director Minhal Baig has made this unexpectedly lyrical, heartfelt 2023 film set against a real-life tragedy that occurred in Chicago's ravaged Cabrini Green housing projects in 1992, the killing of 7-year-old Dantrell Davis amid rising gang violence and brutality from the Chicago police. Focusing her story on two ten-year-olds, best friends who depend on each other for survival, Baig draws out deeply affecting work from Gian Knight Ramirez as Eric and especially wide-eyed Blake Cameron James as Malik. It's their coming-of-age story that makes the surrounding plotlines and performances resonate. Jurnee Smollett plays Malik's hardworking mother with assurance even as her character sometimes comes across as a stereotypical trope. As the wise grandmother who brought them to Cabrini Green when it held more promise, S. Epatha Merkerson makes remarkable her few scenes. I only wish Eric's backstory was given as much depth as Malik's, though the inevitable upheaval the boys face still packs an emotional wallop.

7.2 stars.

This is the story about two young boys growing up in the projects. A Mom is holding a steady job, and grandmom lives with them. The other boy's father seems to be a very intelligent man, however, he does not appear very active in the community or as a wage earner. The two kids are quite precocious, and they hang out all the time, and we are brought on a journey through their eyes as they survive a year in the life of two minority best friends, growing up in the projects, in intelligent and levelheaded families.

There isn't very much to the story, except that it shows us, perhaps what it would be like if we had grown up in this type of situation. I thought the story was told in a way that is palatable for all age groups and cultures. I'm still not absolutely certain what the theme is however, if I had to make an educated, guess it would be about the adversity of growing up in this environment. Perhaps this is an accurate portrayal, but I will never know.

That's really all I have to say about it, it evokes some moderate emotions at times, but is nothing out of the ordinary, and certainly not controversial, or overly impactful when it comes to cultural gaps and diversity. It seems understated, but I have a hunch it's what the average life would entail.

We Grown Now is truly amazing, brilliantly scripted, masterful acting, lovely cinematography...all the ingredients of a 5 star film. Minghal did an amazing job capturing the early 90s. As someone who eas a child during this era, this film took me back with an instant feeling of nostalgia, from the opening scene on. The casting for this film is truly stellar, with heartfelt performances from everyone involved. No spoilers here...this film is a must see.

I honestly don't understand what wicked brood of individuals comes to this site in droves to give great films like this low ratings. Seriously, how in the world did such a beautiful film with a pure message get so much hate?

This is a sleeper, is a story of childhood, of best friends, of family, of history, of life, of circumstances, of inequality, of color, of what it is to be real people, real good people, the best and the brightest, of struggle, of survival, of success, of meaning, of growing up, of innocence, of happiness, sadness and of sheer joy, the young actors are great!, their display of emotions is remarkable, pure, there is nothing to not like about this movie, it's about bringing out the best in us despite what life may bring, it's about hope, about the simple dignity of who we are as people, Eric and Malik exist!, WE EXIST!

This movie feels like it is not really going anywhere. The plot does not seem to progress. Maybe that's the point. Maybe we're supposed to feel like we too are trapped in the Cabrini-Green housing projects of Chicago. I watched this movie thinking the whole time, maybe I should move onto something else. But I never did. It just kinda sucks you in even though you feel like you want to leave, you don't. Maybe that's what it feels like to live in these high rise apartments that engulf your life. At the end, I don't know what to feel.

If you are tired of the same old movie over and over, give this one a try. It's not the best movie you'll ever see, but you'll be impacted.