Review: Liz Here Now

Official Synopsis: Liz Baxter (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) works as a nanny for a prominent white family in Oakland, California. In 1967 she discovers that the Connor children are suffering under the hands of their mother, Jane, (Rachel Lefevre) and attempts to step in to protect the children.

This film is based on an autobiography of the same name written by Todd Connor, one of the children who Liz ultimately saved. According to Connor, Liz's bravery goes unnoticed for years until he stands up at her funeral and shares how she saved his and his siblings' lives. I haven't read his novel so I can't compare the film to page, but the admiration for Liz is easy to see. 

Writer/Director Sterling Macer Jr has a tough task of re-contextualizing a child's story of his caretaker that he loved so much with what was going on in Okaland in the 60's. This was the during the rise of the Black Panther movement and any encounter a black person had with law enforcement in that time is even more loaded because of their desire to connect everyone to the party. Having the film told from Liz's perspective outside of the Connor house is key to understanding the political climate at the time and it's a great decision by the filmmakers. The films' strongest scenes are when Liz is with her family.

When the focus is on the Connor children, they're shot in idyllic way so that when Jane snaps on them, it's even more jarring. The abuse happens off screen but the aftermath is shown. These are the moments are a bit harder to swallow because the characters are all so over the top evil it's hard to not feel melodramatic. The film falls into Mommie Dearest territory a few times with how some of these moments play out. 

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is outstanding. She gives such a warm performance that makes you feel like you'd do anything for Liz. Even when she technically commits a crime. Liz did nothing wrong and I won't hear otherwise. Even when she's dealing with Jane, Liz wants her to get help first and foremost and you can just feel the love Ellis-Taylor is putting in her performance. Lefevre does a good job in a very unlikable role. She does add a bit of nuance that is thankfully needed.

Liz Here Now had its world premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival and starts its limited run this Friday. 

Grade: B-