Minhal Baig's "We Grown Now" beautifully taps into the emotional possibilities of its setting - the Cabrini-Green public housing project in Chicago during the early 1990s. The story revolves around two inseparable friends, Malik (played by Blake Cameron James) and Eric (played by Gian Knight Ramirez), whose everyday lives are filled with normal childhood activities like school, family meals, and games. The film charmingly depicts this simplicity of childhood, making the unfolding of its story deeply moving.
A tragedy at Cabrini-Green, leading to a child's death in the midst of criminal activity, forces the young boys to confront harsh realities. The film's title "We Grown Now" symbolizes not the factual aging process, but an abrupt loss of innocence. The movie unfolds the black child's life, laden with societal complexities of race and class, forcing them to navigate adult situations much before their non-black peers. It paints the poignant beauty of youth and childhood friendships while underscoring the fragility of these precious aspects.
"We Grown Now" does not lean towards excessive sentimentality. It is a film characterized by its hues of positive light and careful attention to the ordinary moments of a child's life. Baig's masterful direction utilizes the location's every possible aspect, resulting in a heart-stirring narrative about the life in Chicago and the details of a public housing project environment. The movie presents a compelling portrayal of Cabrini-Green, balancing the harsh realities of crime with the mundane joy of life lived fully.
The roles of Malik and Eric are brought to life convincingly by James and Ramirez. Their believable depiction of the best friends navigating the complexities of their life remains the core strength of the film. Supporting roles of Eric's father (Lil Rel Howery) and Malik's mother (Jurnee Smollett) add emotional depth to the narrative, though the essence of "We Grown Now" truly belongs to the boys' captivating journey.
