When done right family relationships is among the most intriguing subjects that can drive a good drama.

That is definitely the case with “Planet Janet” with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker making her directorial debut in a film that plays smartly to its strengths. “Janet” is anchored by two great performances Julianne Nicholson and Zoe Ziegler, who create as authentic of a mother-daughter relationship you will see on film.

It’s a deliberately paced slow burn that is fresh and exciting, grounded in realism.

“Janet” tells the story of 11-year old Lacy (Zeigler) who is still clinging to her mother Janet (Nicholson) and how that relationship develops during a summer in early 1990s Massachusetts. Baker divides the story into several parts with a trio of adults coming into the family’s lives at different times during the summer.

There is Janet’s boyfriend Wayne (Will Patton), her friend Regina (Sophie Okonedo) and a charismatic leader of a commune named Avi (Elias Koteas). Each person brings new insight into the home and perhaps a different threat to Janet and Lacy’s close-knit relationship.

I am not familiar with Baker’s previous so it is hard to compare her style as a filmmaker to that as a playwright. What I can say is as a filmmaker Baker has a keen eye for allowing things to play out at a very realistic and leisurely pace. Some might see this style as slow, but I appreciated how “Janet” really let you get to know this characters – become a part of their lives and ultimately see their relationship branch in different ways as the film progresses.

This is a very effective coming of age story, showing how the bonds between a mother and daughter can be reshaped as the daughter starts to find herself as a person. Nicholson and Ziegler capture that dynamic quite effectively, developing an on-screen relationship that feels authentic.

“Planet Janet” doesn’t just keep you invested in the moment, it will stay with you long after you leave the theater. 

Starring: Julianne Nicholson, Zoe Ziegler

Directed by: Annie Baker

Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language, some drug use and thematic elements

Playing at: Several theaters in Nashville including the Belcourt Theater

Grade: B