Sometimes you watch a movie that tells its story so refreshingly well, that you want to talk to someone about it immediately. You want to discuss the parts that thrilled, delighted and surprised you. But then you remember that you watched the movie all by yourself, which means that unless you want to strike up a conversation with the stranger next to you once the movie is over, you can’t. You also remember that you write spoiler-free movie reviews; meaning you still can’t mention the most fun specific details.
Written/directed by Nikyatu Jusu; the film in question that proved to be a rather pleasant surprise is Nanny; a drama/horror/thriller starring Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls and Leslie Uggams.
Nanny tells the story of Aisha, a Senegalese immigrant who takes care of the child of an Upper East Side American family. As Aisha goes about her days working and trying to piece together a life of her own in New York City, she starts having some not-so-easily explainable experiences.
I’ve mentioned a few times before that I don’t typically watch scary movies, particularly since a peaceful nightmare-free sleep is one of my favourite things. The great news here is that Nanny is more creepy than scary. It features well-executed special effects that I appreciated, even more, when the impressive reveal at the end came to light. There are beautiful shots, great lighting and a generally well-structured story to enjoy. One that hints perfectly at what is to come, but without spoiling the very worth-it ending.
I say give Nanny a chance and let the story surprise you. Though not perfect, mostly because of the rushed last five minutes, it’s certainly in the top two of my favourite movies I watched at the BFI London Film Festival this October.
Nanny Release Dates: 23rd November 2022 (Limited theatre release, US); 25th November 2022 (Limited cinema release, UK); Amazon Prime Video release, 16th December 2022 (US)…
Happy Film Loving
G
The Movie My Life 
I’ve heard good things about this one, especially the ending!
What that means is you heard absolutely right! 😁
Sounds like a good one to see especially knowing it’s not too frightening.
Absolutely! I hope you really enjoy it. 🤓
I’ll look out for this, creepy I can manage!
Good plan. 🤓👍
I hope you enjoy it.
I usually dislike horror movies… they never seem to scare or inspire me. Instead they tend to discust me. A really good hooror film I recall, even though it was labelled sci-fi, was the first movie i the ‘Alien’ series so long ago. That was truly terrifying, yet thought-provoking in that it seemed such a creature could actually exist somewhere.
For the present film, what appeals to me is the dislocation of the young Senegalese woman into a a foreign culture and the reorientation that demands. If the creepy elements turn out to be related to the cultural differences, this movie could be quite good I think.
The horror films that don’t scare me are usually those in the slasher category. I fid those more funny than scary. It’s the religious psychological stuff that tends not to sit well with me. Considering that watching The Omen (1978) at 12 is the movie that largely put me off horror films explains that.
I agree with you completely about Alien, that was scary in ways I hadn’t anticipated, thanks in large part to the parasitic nature of the multi-legged creature with a penchant for bursting out of chests.
You’re on the right track about Nanny, and I hope you enjoy it.