In Marissa Maltz’s Jazzy, the enchanting sequel to The unknown landaudiences are treated to a soulful exploration of childhood in the picturesque landscapes of South Dakota. Premiering at Tribeca, this wonderful film follows the title character through the various stages of her life from ages 8 to 12, capturing the essence of what it means to be young, free, and full of wonder.
The film opens with Jazzy (Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux) at West Elementary, enjoying the simple pleasures of childhood – riding the school bus with her best friend Syriah (Syriah Fool Head Means) and playing with friends in the schoolyard. These moments are accompanied by a lively and eclectic synth soundtrack that recalls the first film and adds a quirky and modern twist to the narrative. One of the most endearing scenes is when Jazzy invites just one classmate to her birthday party. They celebrate at an arcade, and later the fun continues at a hotel, where they jump in the pool and bounce around on beds. These scenes capture the unbridled joy and carefree spirit of childhood, reminding viewers of the simple pleasures that shape our early years.
Maltz does a great job of capturing the small, seemingly insignificant moments that make childhood so magical. Her direction is patient and attentive, allowing children’s natural curiosity and humor to shine through. Jazzy and Syriah’s conversations about random topics like their favorite trees and stuffed animals are hilarious and insightful. In one memorable conversation, the girls ponder the question, “When do you think we know we’re adults?” Their candid discussion reveals their awareness of the stresses of adulthood – bills, work, and the loss of happiness. This scene is both funny and profound, highlighting the innocence and wisdom of children, especially because most adults don’t even know when they’re adults.
Plays in the same South Dakota as The unknown land, Jazzy deals with similar themes of belonging, tradition, and overcoming fear. It delves into the cultural heritage of its characters, emphasizing their connection to tradition and the importance of friendship in overcoming life’s challenges. The film’s strength lies in its ability to portray kids who genuinely enjoy being kids. It’s rare to see a film that so authentically captures the joy, spontaneity, and simplicity of youth without pushing its characters into the complexities of adult life. Jazzy’s interactions with her younger sister, during which she asks the toddler to “do something cool, like a teenager would do,” are a perfect example of the film’s playful spirit and genuine humor.
Maltz’s decision to largely hide the faces of the adults, with the exception of Lily Gladstone’s Tana, narrows the focus entirely to the children and their stories. This decision underscores the film’s commitment to viewing the world from Jazzy’s perspective and allows the audience to become fully immersed in her experiences.
What the film understands and celebrates best is the intricacies of growing up. The humanity of these characters and the worlds they inhabit made me nostalgic for their youth. This nostalgia is not just for regaining lost years, but also for the idealism and optimism that define childhood – a time when the world is full of possibilities and every day is an adventure.
Maltz’s keen eye for detail makes Jazzy an outstanding sequel that highlights the joy of childhood and the cultural heritage that shapes us. This film reminds us to appreciate the innocence of youth, the simple joys of friendship and the importance of holding on to the essence of what it means to live life to the fullest.
Title: Jazzy
Director: Morrisa Maltz
Pour: Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux, Syriah Fool Head Means, Richard Ray Whitman, Raymond Lee and Lily Gladstone
Distributor: Coldiron Pictures
Duration: 1 hour 26 minutes