Exploring *Janet Planet*: A Captivating Coming-of-Age Film

*Janet Planet* premiered in theaters on June 21, 2024, marking playwright Annie Baker’s debut as a feature film director. Drawing inspiration from her own childhood in rural Massachusetts, Baker also penned the screenplay for this poignant coming-of-age story.

Produced by a talented team that includes Dan Janvey, Derrick Tseng, Andrew Goldman, and Annie Baker herself, the film features executive producers Chelsea Barnard, Rose Garnett, and Eva Yates. Its world premiere took place at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on September 1, 2023, garnering significant attention.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s synopsis reveals: “In rural Western Massachusetts, 11-year-old Lacy spends the summer of 1991 at home, enthralled by her own imagination and the attention of her mother, Janet. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker captures a child’s experience of time passing, and the ineffability of a daughter falling out of love with her mother, in this singularly sublime film debut.”

Meet the Talented Cast of *Janet Planet*

Julianne Nicholson as Janet

In *Janet Planet*, Julianne Nicholson portrays Janet, a single mother and acupuncturist navigating life with her 11-year-old daughter, Lacy, in picturesque rural Massachusetts during the summer of 1991. This role showcases Nicholson’s talent for deeply emotional storytelling.

Previously, Julianne made her mark in films like *The Love Letter* (1999) and has appeared in notable works such as *Tully*, *Seeing Other People*, and *August: Osage County*. Her performance in the Oscar-nominated *I, Tonya*, along with her role as Marilyn Monroe’s mother in *Blonde*, adds to her distinguished filmography.

On television, she has captivated audiences in series like *Ally McBeal*, *Boardwalk Empire*, and *Mare of Easttown*, for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress’ in 2021.

Zoe Ziegler as Lacy

Making her film debut, Zoe Ziegler takes on the role of Lacy, Janet’s inquisitive 11-year-old daughter. Throughout *Janet Planet*, Lacy grows and learns about her mother through various relationships, including those with Wayne and Avi. Prior to this, she appeared in the short film *Howl*.

Elias Koteas as Avi

Elias Koteas embodies Avi, the charismatic leader of a local theater group that captures Janet’s attention. Their connection culminates in a date, adding an intriguing layer to the storyline. Koteas’ previous successes include roles in *Some Kind of Wonderful*, *Gattaca*, and critically acclaimed films such as *Shutter Island* and *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*.

On the small screen, Koteas is known for his role as Alvin ‘Al’ Olinsky in *Chicago P.D.* and has appeared in other notable series like *The Killing* and *Goliath*.

Sophie Okonedo as Regina

Sophie Okonedo plays Regina, a vibrant member of Avi’s theater commune and a former friend of Janet. Their friendship rekindles in the course of the story, but differing lifestyles lead to tensions, ultimately resulting in Regina’s departure. Okonedo garnered critical acclaim for her performance in *Hotel Rwanda*, earning an Oscar nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actress’.

Her dynamic filmography also includes *Death on the Nile* and *Flack*, as well as award-nominated performances in *Ratched* and *Tsunami: The Aftermath*.

Additional Cast Members

The film features a noteworthy supporting cast, including:

• Will Patton as Wayne
• Mary Shultz as Davina
• Edie Moon Kearns as Sequoia
• June Walker Grossman as Susanna
• Abby Harri as Emily
• Luke Philip Bosco as Male Counselor
• Mary Beth Brooker as Bonnie
• George Marshall as Contra Dance Caller
• Laura Litterer
• Jeremy Louise Eaton
• Rakya Sastri
• John Peitso
• Carolyn Walker
• Matthew Glassman

As we move further into 2024, keep an eye out for more updates on this film and other trending cinematic endeavors.

See full cast list and more information