The Reel Review
A couple of 10-year-old best friends living in Chicago’s sprawling, crime-embattled Cabrini Green housing project in 1992 find their friendship tested when a life changing event occurs. Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez and Jurnee Smollett star in this nostalgic, coming-of-age drama.
Just as she did in 2019’s Hala, about a Muslim teenager coping with the unraveling of her family, writer/director Minhal Baig again mines the emotions of troubled childhoods and complicated family dynamics. The onscreen chemistry between James and Ramirez makes the friendship feel authentic and believable, aided by a strong supporting cast that includes Smollett (Lovecraft Country, True Blood) as Malik’s mother, S. Epatha Merkerson (Law & Order) as his grandmother and Lil Rel Howery (Get Out, The Carmichael Show) as Eric’s father.
The story meanders a bit in its midsection and we only get details about the life of one of the boys, which is a bit frustrating, but solid, heartfelt performances, a lyrical, nostalgic score and well done cinematography more than make up for those minor shortcomings.
REEL FACTS
• We Grown Now was nominated for three 2024 Independent Spirit Awards – for Best Feature, Best Editing and Best Cinematography.
• We Grown Now is Gian Knight Ramirez’ acting debut.
• In addition to directing three films, Chicago native Minhal Baig has also written for the television shows Ramy and Bojack Horseman. She’s currently co-producing and writing the new Netflix series The Magic Order, based on Mark Millar’s 2021 comic book series.
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