Nanny 2022
Directed by
Nikyatu Jusu
Made by
Amazon Studios
Plot Summary
Aisha, an undocumented immigrant from Senegal, finds herself navigating the complexities of life in bustling New York City. Having left her six-year-old son, Lamine, in the care of her cousin, Mariatou, back home a year prior, she dreams of earning enough money to bring them both to the U.S.
To make ends meet, Aisha secures a job as a nanny for Rose, the young daughter of Amy and Adam Hav, a prosperous couple engrossed in their demanding careers. As Aisha forms a deep bond with Rose, she often finds herself working late into the night—sometimes even overnight—due to the couple’s negligence.
Throughout her journey, Aisha captures the interest of Malik, the doorman of the Havs’ building, and their romance blossoms with the warm approval of Malik’s grandmother, Kathleen, and his son, Bishop, who is around Lamine’s age. Surprisingly, Aisha and Kathleen share a mystical connection that adds a touch of enchantment to their daily lives.
However, challenges arise as the Hav family frequently delays payments to Aisha, prolonging her hopes of buying tickets for Lamine and Mariatou. One day, when Adam offers her assistance, he crosses a line and makes unwanted advances, leaving Aisha in a state of distress. Unsettling dreams—a recurring theme of drowning—plague her, intertwined with vivid visions of her son.
The situation takes a drastic turn when Amy abruptly leaves, compelling Aisha to assume full-time responsibility for Rose. One evening, while alone with her, Aisha experiences sinister visions that lead to a moment of panic when she believes Rose has vanished. In a frantic search, she finds herself pulled underwater, only to discover a bathing Rose in the tub. In a chilling moment, Rose suggests that it is Lamine’s spirit, feeling overlooked, who is causing these hauntings.
Eventually, Aisha manages to gather enough money for airfare, but upon Mariatou’s arrival alone, she learns of a tragic fate: Lamine has drowned during a trip to the beach. With newfound challenges ahead, Malik, who is now expecting a child with Aisha, invites her to stay with him, Bishop, and Kathleen. Torn by despair, Aisha contemplates taking her own life in the Hudson River, but Malik’s timely intervention steers her back toward hope. Together, they embrace their future, welcoming their new baby into a life filled with love and resilience.
Timeline
Aisha's Journey to New York City
Aisha, an undocumented immigrant from Senegal, embarks on a courageous journey to New York City in hopes of providing a better life for herself and her family. Leaving her six-year-old son, Lamine, in the care of her cousin, Mariatou, she dreams of eventually bringing them both to join her.
Securing Employment as a Nanny
In the bustling environment of New York City, Aisha manages to secure a job as a nanny for Rose, the young daughter of a busy couple, Amy and Adam Hav. As she adjusts to her new role, Aisha finds herself frequently working late hours due to the couple's demanding careers and neglect.
Building a Bond with Rose
As time goes on, Aisha forms a close bond with Rose, caring for her and becoming an integral part of her life. This relationship allows Aisha to cope with the loneliness of being apart from her own son, as she pours her love and attention into Rose.
Blossoming Romance with Malik
While working for the Hav family, Aisha catches the attention of Malik, the doorman of the building. Their budding romance is encouraged by Malik's grandmother, Kathleen, and his son, Bishop, who bonds with Aisha over their shared experiences as caregivers.
Challenges of Undocumented Life
Despite her developing relationships, Aisha faces significant challenges as the Hav family struggles to pay her on time. This financial uncertainty prolongs her dreams of reuniting with Lamine and Mariatou, adding to her stress and anxiety in the city.
Unwanted Advances from Adam
The situation becomes more difficult when Adam, the father of Rose, offers Aisha unexpected help that crosses boundaries and leads to unwanted advances. This violation leaves Aisha feeling vulnerable and distressed, compounding her already heavy burden as an immigrant.
Sinister Visions and Nightmares
Aisha begins to experience haunting dreams and vivid visions of drowning, symbolizing her fears and anxieties about her son left behind in Senegal. These unsettling nights blur the lines between reality and nightmares, leading Aisha deeper into despair.
Assuming Full Responsibility for Rose
The dynamics shift drastically when Amy suddenly leaves, placing the full responsibility of taking care of Rose on Aisha. This unexpected burden heightens Aisha's anxiety as she navigates the challenges alone while still dealing with her personal struggles.
A Disturbing Encounter
One evening, left alone with Rose, Aisha experiences supernatural visions that cause her to panic when she believes Rose has gone missing. During her frantic search, she discovers Rose playing in the bath, but a chilling comment from Rose suggested Lamine's spirit is behind the hauntings.
Tragic News of Lamine
Aisha finally gathers the funds needed to reunite with her family, but is devastated when she learns from Mariatou that Lamine has tragically drowned during a beach trip. This heartbreaking news shatters Aisha’s hope and confidence, revealing the harsh realities of her life.
New Beginnings with Malik
In the wake of her loss, Malik, who is now expecting a child with Aisha, invites her to stay with him alongside Bishop and Kathleen. This gesture of support offers Aisha a glimmer of hope as she strives to find a way forward after her tragedy.
Contemplation of Despair
Struggling with overwhelming grief and considering taking her own life in the Hudson River, Aisha reaches a low point. Just when she is about to succumb to despair, Malik's timely arrival reminds her of the love and connection still present in her life.
Embracing the Future
With Malik's support, Aisha begins to embrace her future and the family they are creating together. As they welcome their new baby, Aisha finds resilience and purpose, fostering a new life filled with love and hope despite the shadows of her past.
Characters
Aisha
Aisha is a determined and resilient undocumented immigrant from Senegal. She is driven by the hope of reuniting with her son, Lamine, and navigates the complexities of her new life as a nanny in New York City while grappling with deep emotional turmoil. Her character evolves as she faces numerous adversities, ultimately revealing her strength and capacity for love.
Malik
Malik is the doorman of the Havs' building and becomes Aisha's love interest. He embodies warmth and compassion, supporting Aisha throughout her challenges. As he prepares to become a father, Malik demonstrates his commitment to building a family and nurturing a hopeful future, acting as a stabilizing force in Aisha's life.
Rose
Rose is the young daughter of Amy and Adam Hav. She shares a profound bond with Aisha, who cares for her as a nanny. Rose's character adds innocence and whimsy to the story, and her visions play a critical role in the mystical elements of the plot, reflecting the deeper connections between families.
Kathleen
Kathleen is Malik's supportive grandmother who provides both warmth and wisdom. She witnesses Aisha's journey and encourages her through challenging times. With an almost mystical presence, Kathleen influences Aisha's life, offering guidance and solace amidst turmoil.
Setting
Time period
The film reflects contemporary issues facing immigrants and the complexities of urban life in the modern era. It highlights struggles related to employment, family separation, and the pursuit of the American dream in a current, realistic setting.
Location
New York City
New York City is a vibrant metropolis known for its iconic skyline, diverse culture, and bustling activity. It serves as a melting pot for immigrants from all over the world, providing opportunities as well as challenges. The city's fast-paced lifestyle dramatically shapes the lives of its inhabitants, especially those striving for better futures.
Themes
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Loss
The theme of loss pervades the film, embodied in Aisha's separation from her son and her ultimate tragedy. This emotional arc explores the impact of grief and the struggle to cope with unexpected tragedies while trying to forge a new life.
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Hope & Resilience
Amid the turmoil, Aisha's journey exemplifies hope and resilience. Despite encountering overwhelming challenges—financial hardship, abandonment, and personal loss—she finds strength in her relationships and the love she harbors for her family and her future with Malik.
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Mysticism
The intertwining of mysticism throughout the narrative elevates Aisha's experiences, particularly her connection with Kathleen and the haunting visions related to her son. This element adds a layer of enchantment and emotional depth to the struggles faced by the characters.
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