It has been said the film has some Get Out vibes, but at heart, Nanny truly has an arthouse drama sensibility, and classifying it as a horror entry may do it a disservice. Now, don’t misconstrue that, as the production certainly is haunting and sports an eerie atmosphere. Likewise, the more disturbing, uncanny, and anxiety-inducing scenes will linger in viewers’ minds the longest because that is when the film is at best. Plus, these moments are where Rina Yang’s beguiling cinematography is on full display. Therefore, for better or worse, Jusu’s feature is conceivably more palatable and accessible to most as it is but could be seen as not fully delivering on its horror premise.
In the end, the filmmaker balances the various elements well, presenting an in-depth exploration of its one-of-a-kind heroine. Without revealing too much, I will say that the narrative does not offer a happy or unhappy ending, which is likely to leave some unsatisfied. But, like life itself, it shows how one can find moments of happiness and peace despite being surrounded by dreadfulness and stuck in bleak situations. It is a tale of resilience and how one can make the best of their circumstances by moving on to hopefully better tomorrows.
“…the filmmaker balances the various elements well…”
Anyone who has been an au pair, nanny, or even the occasional babysitter for a well-off family will deeply relate to so many aspects of Aisha’s life and thoughts. Being somehow entrenched into a world of wonder that seems so close yet painfully unattainable, no matter how much one is considered “part of the family.” In fact, most working directly for people with unreachable riches, whether a domestic worker or help in any capacity, will recognize part of themselves in Aisha’s predicament and share some of her hopes and disbelief; compassion can only go so far in a world with appallingly growing wealth distribution inequality.
The same can be said for mothers everywhere who have to leave their children in order to make money by, ironically, providing childcare for someone else’s kids. But above all, Nanny tells a unique yet universal story about those who migrate to escape impossible situations for financial reasons in search of a better life. But whether one can identify or not, this touching film will undoubtedly make you sympathize with its protagonist, wonderfully interpreted with gentle poise and nuance by Diop.
Nanny screened at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
"…compassion can only go so far in a world with appallingly growing wealth distribution inequality."
