Nanny

"Nanny" is a 2022 American psychological drama with elements of horror and suspense, directed and written by Nikyatu Jusu in her feature directorial debut. The movie stars Anna Diop as the central character, Aisha, a Senegalese immigrant who takes up a job as a nanny for an affluent couple in New York City, portrayed by Michelle Monaghan and Morgan Spector. Sinqua Walls also features prominently in the film as Aisha's romantic interest.

The storyline revolves around Aisha's experiences as she navigates life in the bustling metropolis of New York, far from her homeland and her young son whom she left behind in Senegal with the hope of bringing him to the US soon. The movie presents a poignant reflection on the struggle, isolation, and sacrifices that immigrant workers often have to endure while in pursuit of the so-called American Dream.

Aisha finds employment working for Amy (Monaghan) and Adam (Spector), a seemingly perfect and wealthy couple who employ her to look after their young daughter, Rose. Aisha's caring and compassionate nature quickly endears her to Rose, and she becomes deeply attached to the child, which provides a form of solace from her loneliness and the pain of separation from her own son.

However, shadows of unease begin to creep into Aisha's new life as she starts to sense that there's something unsettling about her employers' household and their picture-perfect existence. Her initial impressions of her new environment and the family dynamics become increasingly tainted by the realization that not everything is as it seems. Subtle signs of strain within the family's relationship, unspoken tensions, and the demanding expectations placed upon her start to stir a sense of foreboding.

As Aisha struggles to cope with the mounting pressure of her job, her personal life also becomes complicated. The arrival of a love interest, played by Sinqua Walls, offers a diversion and the promise of new beginnings. Their relationship adds another dimension to Aisha's life, bringing moments of joy and companionship, yet also serves to highlight the complexities of her situation, given her divided priorities and dreams.

Throughout the film, Aisha's resilience and spirit are tested by the challenges she faces both in her professional and personal life. The movie deftly weaves elements of West African folklore and supernatural elements into the narrative, leading Aisha on a surreal journey that blurs the line between reality and nightmare. These mystical aspects serve as a conduit for exploring Aisha's inner turmoil and the ways in which her dislocation and desire to reunite with her son weigh heavily on her soul.

Diop's performance as Aisha is lauded for its depth and nuance, beautifully expressing the emotional complexities of her character with both strength and vulnerability. Her portrayal captures the multifaceted nature of the immigrant experience: the hope, the heartbreak, and the courage it takes to build a life far from one's roots.

"Nanny" is not just a simple tale about being a caretaker for someone else's child; it digs deeper into themes of identity, maternal longing, racial and class disparities, and the mystical ties to one's heritage. The film examines the unseen sacrifices that support the lifestyle of the more privileged in society through the lens of the domestic help who labor for them. It also provides a critique of the ostensibly liberal values that are often espoused by the well-to-do, revealing fissures and hypocrisies beneath the surface.

The movie's visual style enhances the atmospheric tension and sense of dislocation that Aisha experiences. The cinematography expertly captures the contrasting worlds – the rich, vibrant colors of Aisha's memories of Senegal versus the sterile, cold environs of her employers' upscale Manhattan home. Musical selections and sound design further envelop the audience in a world where the protagonist’s inner and outer realities are constantly at odds.

"Nanny" is ultimately a multifaceted film that merges the drama of day-to-day existence for an immigrant with psychological depth and supernatural folklore, presenting audiences with a unique and thought-provoking story. It is a haunting meditation on the sacrifices individuals make in their quest for a better life, and the unseen stories of those who live and work in the margins of society. The movie has received considerable praise for its originality, social commentary, and Diop's standout performance, establishing Nikyatu Jusu as a filmmaker with a compelling voice and vision.