Ever really feel like Hollywood forgot about tales from the tasks? We Grown Now steps as much as the plate, reminding us that actual coming-of-age tales nonetheless exist. However this ain’t your common teen flick. Buckle up for a journey by the colourful chaos of 1992 Chicago, the place two younger boys navigate friendship, desires, and the cruel realities of their atmosphere. As somebody who grew up within the tasks myself, this film hits just a little too near house… in a great way.

We Grown Now facilities on Malik and Eric, greatest pals rising up in Chicago’s legendary (and now demolished) Cabrini-Inexperienced housing tasks. Director Minhal Baig paints an image so vivid it’s nearly uncomfortable. We’re speaking about that damaged elevator you pray doesn’t swallow you complete, that ever-present scent of stale urine, and naturally, the ever-present yellow bricks. The film even throws a curveball with bricks…within the bathe?!

From the main points like Lil Rey slinging pizza pies at Chester’s to the surprising revelation that residents needed to pay for their very own utilities, the movie captures the essence of venture life with brutal honesty. Even Jurnee Smollett appears a tad younger to play Malik’s momma, however hey, typically age ain’t nothing however a quantity in life.

A Symphony of Sound and Silence

Whereas the visuals could be a punch to the intestine, the soundtrack takes a distinct method. Neglect the standard Hip Hop and R&B. We Grown Now is layered with strings, making a surprisingly stunning counterpoint to the cruel realities on display screen. It’s nearly just like the music is a deliberate try to search out magnificence within the battle.

Talking of attention-grabbing decisions, the movie by no means reveals the trainer that Malik and Eric have a crush on so she’s nearly like a personality out of a Peanuts cartoon. It’s a unusual element that provides to the film’s distinctive allure. We Grown Now isn’t afraid to indicate the humanity of rising up poor. It’s a celebration of friendship and the easy joys of being a child, even when your playground is a warzone. Keep in mind the Pledge of Allegiance in elementary college? Yeah, this film throws it again to these days too.

There’s a scene with Malik’s grandma shuffling round in a Muumuu, muttering about “holding on to the little bit we obtained.” Rattling, that line hits onerous. After which there’s the scene with the police imposing ID checks for residents getting into their very own constructing. This can be a chilling reminder of the fixed surveillance confronted by individuals of coloration in low-income communities.

The tragedy that happens within the film is dealt with with a heartbreaking authenticity. The film doesn’t dwell on the main points, similar to you wouldn’t dwell on them in actual life. It’s a relentless undercurrent of concern and loss that younger individuals within the hood must reside with.

A Window to a Totally different World

There’s a recurring motif of the venture window all through the movie. It’s a relentless reminder of the world exterior, a world crammed with alternative that feels simply out of attain. It’s a cage, but in addition a logo of hope. Whereas the narrative would possibly lean in the direction of documentary-style at instances, the guts of We Grown Now lies in its characters. The kid actors ship real performances that may have you ever reminiscing about your individual childhood greatest pal. There’s a scene the place Malik desires of shopping for his mother a home. It appears like this can be a dream shared by numerous youngsters in these locations who simply wish to give again to their households.

The movie doesn’t draw back from the cruel realities of venture life. There’s a fixed menace of violence, a scarcity of assets, and damaged properties. It’s all there, however it’s offered with a uncooked honesty that avoids sensationalism. We additionally study Malik’s grandma’s story and the way she and her husband misplaced their retailer and ended up within the tasks. It’s a harsh actuality as black households systematically pushed out of their communities and compelled into these concrete jungles. This backstory provides one other layer of depth to the movie’s exploration of poverty and race.

A Story That Wanted to Be Instructed

We Grown Now’s a movie that may stick with you lengthy after the credit roll. It’s a robust coming-of-age story that tackles themes of poverty, race, and the enduring energy of friendship. It’s a movie that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths, however it additionally provides a glimmer of hope. This can be a story that wanted to be instructed, and Minhal Baig deserves props

So, is We Grown Now a film you must watch? Completely. Right here’s the deal:

• It’s a coming-of-age story that’s uncooked and actual, a far cry from the sugar-coated Hollywood fare.
• It doesn’t draw back from the robust stuff, however it additionally celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.
• The soundtrack is a singular mix that creates a robust environment.
• The performances by the younger actors are nothing in need of phenomenal.

We Grown Now won’t be a straightforward watch, however it’s a obligatory one. It’s a movie that may make you snort, cry, and bear in mind what it means to dream, even when the chances are stacked in opposition to you.