Nanny Story:-
In her directorial debut, Nikyatu Jusu presents a compelling narrative in the film Nanny, weaving together elements of West African folklore to deconstruct the American Dream.
The story revolves around Aisha, who moves to New York City with the intention of bringing her young son from Senegal. However, financial constraints force her into the role of a nanny for a stranger’s child, while her own family cares for her son back home. This predicament sheds light on the plight of undocumented immigrant women in the city, who often find themselves in similar circumstances.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 16 December 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Horror, Thriller |
| Duration | 1h 37min |
| Cast | Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls, Morgan Spector, Rose Decker, Leslie Uggams, Zephani Idoko, Princess Adenike |
| Director | Nikyatu Jusu |
| Writer | Nikyatu Jusu |
| Cinematography | Rina Yang |
| Music | Tanerélle, Bartek Gliniak |
| Producer | Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Nikkia Moulterie |
| Production | Blumhouse Television, Stay Gold Features, Topic Studios, LinLay Productions |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Jusu introduces Aisha as a strong and independent protagonist, navigating a culture that expects subservience from outsiders. Through Aisha’s perspective, the film explores the complexities of immigrant life and the challenges of pursuing the American Dream.
Drawing from West African folklore, Jusu incorporates supernatural elements into the narrative, invoking figures like Anansi the Spider and Mami Wata. These mythical beings serve as metaphors for the obstacles Aisha faces, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.
While Nanny is not a conventional horror film, it employs atmospheric sound design to create tension and unease throughout. This tension mirrors Aisha’s internal struggles as she grapples with fears of losing her son and her identity in an unfamiliar environment.
The film also delves into the dynamics of race and class through Aisha’s interactions with the white family she works for. Despite their outward hospitality, Aisha senses an underlying threat from her employers, highlighting the power imbalances inherent in the employer-employee relationship.
Jusu deftly subverts expectations of the nanny thriller genre, offering a fresh perspective on the anxieties surrounding childcare and immigration. As the story unfolds, Aisha’s journey becomes a powerful exploration of resilience and survival in the face of adversity.
In the film’s climax, reality collides with Aisha’s worst fears, culminating in a twist that challenges audience perceptions and underscores the harsh realities faced by undocumented immigrants. Through Aisha’s story, Nanny prompts viewers to confront their own preconceptions about the American Dream and the sacrifices it demands.
Overall, Nanny is a thought-provoking and visually stunning debut from Nikyatu Jusu, showcasing her talent for storytelling and her ability to tackle complex themes with nuance and depth.
