What’s It About
Two young boys, best friends Malik and Eric, discover the joys and hardships of growing up in the sprawling Cabrini-Green public housing complex in 1992 Chicago.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
“We Grown Now” is a profoundly resonant coming-of-age film set against the backdrop of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green public housing complex in the fall of 1992. This period marked a tumultuous time for the once-promising community, which had gradually descended into a state of disrepair and neglect, plagued by violence and social unrest. Director Minhal Baig masterfully captures the essence of this era, painting a vivid portrait of life for two young friends, Malik and Eric, as they navigate the complexities of adolescence amidst their challenging environment. Malik and Eric are at the heart of the film, portrayed with remarkable depth and authenticity by Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez, respectively. The boys’ friendship serves as the anchor of the narrative, offering a glimpse into the resilience and innocence that define their bond. Despite the harsh realities of their surroundings, Malik and Eric find solace and joy in each other’s company, their youthful exuberance serving as a poignant contrast to the bleakness of their environment. The film also delves into the lives of Malik and Eric’s families, providing a minor portrayal of the challenges working-class individuals face in marginalized communities. Dolores, Malik’s mother, played with quiet strength by Jurnee Smollett, embodies the struggles of single parenthood, working tirelessly to provide for her family while grappling with the harsh realities of economic hardship. Eric’s father, Jason, portrayed with warmth and vulnerability by Lil Rel Howery, similarly grapples with the challenges of raising his son alone, his efforts to be present in Eric’s life overshadowed by the weight of his responsibilities. Through these characters, Baig explores themes of resilience, community, and the impact of systemic neglect on marginalized communities. The film challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about public housing residents, presenting them as individuals with dreams, aspirations, and a deep sense of community. Baig’s portrayal of the Cabrini-Green residents is refreshingly created to avoid using simplistic narratives in favor of a more subtle and empathetic portrayal of their lives. One of the film’s most meaningful moments comes when Malik and Eric witness the real-life murder of 7-year-old Dantrell Davis. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of their world. As nervous parents curtail their freedom, Malik and Eric are forced to confront the harsh realities of their environment, their innocence slowly eroded by the violence and neglect that surround them. Despite its sad themes, “We Grown Now” is ultimately a story of hope and resilience. Malik and Eric’s friendship serves as a beacon of light in a world filled with darkness, their bond a testament to the power of human connection in the face of adversity. The film’s stunning visuals and aware soundtrack further enhance its emotional impact, immersing viewers in the world of Malik and Eric as they navigate the challenges of growing up in Cabrini-Green. In conclusion, “We Grown Now” is a powerful and touching film that offers an insight and empathetic portrayal of life in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green public housing complex. Through its compelling characters and evocative storytelling, the film sheds light on the resilience and humanity of individuals living in marginalized communities, challenging stereotypes and offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
OUR RATING – A LIFE-EXPERIENCED 9