Saint Janet

Saint Janet is a 2014 independent comedy-drama film that explores the life of an unconventional woman named Janet. The movie premiered at the San Francisco International Film Festival and stars Kelly Bishop, Lauren Bittner, and Nyambi Nyambi in lead roles. The movie is directed by Habib Azar and written by Kelly Braffet.

Janet is a self-proclaimed saint who lives in a small town in Pennsylvania. She spends her days taking care of her elderly mother, organizing charity events, and performing miraculous acts that she attributes to her faith. Janet is convinced that she is destined for greatness and that her purpose in life is to help people.

However, Janet's life takes a drastic turn when she experiences a series of strange and unexplainable events. She begins to question her own faith and starts to uncover the dark secrets that have been hidden in her own community for decades. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of her town, she realizes that she might be the only person who can bring the truth to light.

The film is a quirky exploration of faith, community, and the dangers of blind devotion. Kelly Bishop delivers a fantastic performance as Janet, portraying her as a complex and multifaceted character who is both lovable and frustrating. Janet's relationship with her mother is particularly moving, and Kelly Braffet's script explores the complexities of caring for an elderly parent with sensitivity and humor.

Lauren Bittner shines as Lily, a young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. Lily is drawn to Janet's charisma and begins to follow her around, hoping to learn more about her beliefs. As the two women become closer, Lily begins to realize that Janet's visionary claims may not be all they seem.

Nyambi Nyambi plays Father James, the local priest who is skeptical of Janet's claims but is also deeply compassionate. Father James is a fascinating character, and Nyambi gives a nuanced performance that captures both his kindness and his doubts.

The cinematography in Saint Janet is beautiful, with sweeping shots of the Pennsylvania countryside and intimate close-ups that capture the emotions of the characters. The film uses music effectively, with a haunting score that adds to the sense of unease that permeates the movie.

Overall, Saint Janet is a memorable and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The movie is a meditation on belief and skepticism, and it explores the ways that faith can both inspire and blind us. The performances are outstanding, the script is clever and engaging, and the direction is excellent. If you're looking for a film that will challenge your assumptions and make you think, Saint Janet is well worth watching.