We Grown Now (2023): A Heartfelt Journey Through Cabrini-Green

0:00Welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. If you enjoy cinema, please like and subscribe. Today we're reviewing We Grown Now from 2023. We Grown Now, directed and written by Minhaal Baig, is a heartfelt drama that takes us back to 1992, exploring the lives of two young boys, Malik, played by Blake Cameron James and Eric portrayed by Jan Knight Ramirez, as they navigate the complexities of growing up in the Cabrini Green Public Housing Complex in Chicago. This film is a poignant coming of age story that captures the innocence and resilience of childhood amidst the harsh realities of their environment. Set against the backdrop of a neighborhood known for its high crime rates and poverty, the film does not shy away from depicting the challenges faced by its residents. However, Baig chooses to focus on the warmth and camaraderie that exists within this community. Malik and Eric's friendship is at the heart of the story,

1:03providing a lens through which we see the joys and struggles of their daily lives. The boys find adventure in the mundane, turning abandoned mattresses into playgrounds and transforming water stains on the ceiling into starry skies. These moments of imagination and playfulness highlight the resilience of children and their ability to find beauty in the most unexpected places. The film also delves into the lives of the boys families, offering a broader perspective on life in Cabrini Green. Malik lives with his mother Dolores, played by Journey Smollett, his grandmother Anita, portrayed by S. Epartha Murkerson and his sister. Dolores works tirelessly at a low-paying job, striving to provide for her family while grappling with the systemic racism she faces at work. Eric, on the other hand, lives with his father Jason, played by Lil' Rell Howrie and sister Amber, dealing with the absence of his mother

2:05and the pressures of excelling in school. Baig's direction is assured, blending realism with moments of poetic beauty. The film's cinematography by Patrick Scholar captures the vibrancy of the boys' world. While J. Wodley's score adds an emotional depth to their journey. The performances, particularly by James and Smollett, are authentic and compelling, grounding the film in a gritty reality that never feels overly sentimental. While we grow now occasionally struggles with a lack of a clear narrative through line, it is held together by the strength of its characters and the universal themes of friendship, family, and the search for a better life. The film does not sugarcoat the challenges faced by its characters, but it also does not dwell on the negatives. Instead, it offers a nuanced portrayal of life in Cabrini Green, reminding us of the humanity and resilience of its residents. In the end, we grow now is a touching exploration

3:08of childhood and community, a film that resonates with its heartfelt storytelling and beautiful visuals. It is a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring spirit of those who call Cabrini Green home. That's my take on We Grow Now, and I'm giving it three and a half stars out of five stars. Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed this content, please like, subscribe, and I'll see you next time at Mindset Movie Reviews.