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Nanny is a 2022 psychological drama with a tinge of supernatural elements, directed by Nikyatu Jusu in her feature directorial debut. The film reflects on the experiences and struggles of immigrant life, while intertwining African diasporic spiritual traditions. It stars Anna Diop in the lead role, alongside Michelle Monaghan and Sinqua Walls in significant roles. The film premiered at various film festivals before reaching a wider audience, standing out for its unique narrative and engaging performances.

Set in New York City, Nanny tells the story of Aisha, played by Anna Diop, a Senegalese immigrant who is hired as a nanny by a wealthy Manhattan couple. Aisha's primary duty is to care for the couple's young daughter, Rose. Anna Diop's portrayal of Aisha conveys a wellspring of emotional depth and strength as she navigates her role in a world that is both physically and culturally distant from her origins.

Michelle Monaghan transforms into Amy, the mother of the household, who presents a facade of kindness and liberalism but whose demands and expectations lay bare the power dynamics and unspoken rules underlying the employer-employee relationship. Amy is often distracted by her own career and troubled marriage, relying heavily on Aisha to provide stability and care for her daughter.

Sinqua Walls plays the role of Malick, and his character lays another layer onto the complex web of Aisha's life in New York. Malick's interaction with Aisha provides a contrast to her isolated life, encompassing the shared bond of the immigrant experience while underlining the nuanced distinctions of their individual journeys.

A cross-genre piece, Nanny seamlessly blends the real and the unreal, making it a sophisticated exploration of the immigrant psyche. At the heart of the film lies the dazzling array of cultural narratives that Aisha brings with her from Senegal, and how these stories and myths manifest in her daily life. The film uses folklore and traditional beliefs to examine the complexities of assimilation and identity as Aisha's life in the U.S. becomes fraught with challenges.

As she adjusts to her new role, Aisha strives to earn enough money to bring her young son to America. The longing for her son is palpable throughout the film, underscoring the emotional toil of separation that shapes the immigrant narrative. The mother-child relationship is a recurring theme that mirrors itself within the relationship between Aisha and her charge, Rose. This fundamental human connection is depicted with tenderness and compassion, highlighting the universal aspects of nurturing and love.

Nanny delves into the psychological impact of displacement, touching on elements of isolation and the search for belonging in a world where social and racial hierarchies often dictate one's place. The film deftly portrays the inner turmoil that arises when Aisha's traditional beliefs begin to influence her perception of reality in the cosmopolitan setting of Manhattan. This conflation of the supernatural with the stress of her situation adds an eerie and captivating quality to the narrative.

Visually, the film is a mosaic of vibrant colors and textures, capturing both the chaotic beauty of New York City and the rich tapestries of Senegalese culture. Cinematographer Rina Yang delivers evocative imagery that juxtaposes the claustrophobic apartment spaces with the expansive dream sequences that reflect Aisha's inner world. The intentional cinematography enhances the storyline by shifting the viewer's gaze between the intimate and the expansive, the real and the imagined.

The thematic elements of water and mermaids in the movie are closely connected to African mythology and symbolism. These motifs recur throughout the film as both literal and metaphorical devices, navigating the fluid boundaries between Aisha's past, present, and future. Such imagery also connects to themes of cleansing and rebirth, which are pivotal to Aisha's character development.

Director Nikyatu Jusu approaches the subject matter with a nuanced lens, allowing for a layered and empathetic portrayal of Aisha's experience. The film avoids easy answers and instead leans into the complexities of personal identity amidst cultural displacement. Jusu's storytelling evokes a haunting quality that lingers with viewers, challenging them to contemplate the intricate intersection of culture, faith, and the pursuit of a better life.

The film's soundtrack further enriches the narrative, blending traditional African music with a contemporary score to emphasize the duality of Aisha's existence. The music becomes an unspoken language, expressing the emotional currents that run beneath the surface of the film.

Nanny garnered critical acclaim for its thoughtful examination of personal and cultural identity, as well as for its atmospheric storytelling and strong performances. Diop's portrayal of Aisha in particular was lauded for its complexity and emotional resonance. The film serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of sacrifice, the resilience of the human spirit, and the courage it takes to navigate a world where one must constantly reconcile the past with the present. Nanny leaves its audience with a lasting impression of the challenges faced by those who leave their homeland behind in the search for a new life and how their stories are woven into the broader tapestry of human experience.

Nanny is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3 and a MetaScore of 72.