Lisa Johnson Mandell’s We Grown Now review says the moving indie about two boys growing up all too fast in the Cabrini-Green projects will warm your heart and nourish your soul.

Every once in awhile a film comes along that profoundly moves me. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the ability to share it with readers and listeners makes me feel pure joy. Such is the case with the captivating We Grown Now.

It’s a beautiful story of two young boys growing up all too fast in Chicago’s infamous Cabrini-Green public housing project. Cabrini-Green, once home to 15,000 people, became synonymous with problematic public housing in the U.S., and was known for crime, drugs, poverty and vermin.

The film takes  audiences right along with Maleek and Eric, as they manage to find magic, tragedy, elation, frustration, anger, happiness, loneliness and love in this challenging environment.

We Grown Now Review — The remarkable cast

The two young actors who play the leads, Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez, are naturals. You seldom see such authenticity in child actors.

They are surrounded by a supremely talented cast, including luminous Jurnee Smolett, (The Burial, Lovecraft Country), Lil Rel Howery, and S. Epatha Merkerson, (Chicago Hope).

I would be remiss if I didn’t also include composer Jay Wadley’s lovely and lyrical score as one of the radiant  stars of the film. You might have expected rap or hiphop, but this poignant, violin dominated masterpiece is both surprising and sublime.

I asked my husband, James Mandell, who is a conservatory educated composer, songwriter and musician, to describe it in more professional terms. He was enamored by the score as well. This is his comment: “A seemingly incongruous orchestral score with the repetitive elements of a Philip Glass composition quickly integrates into the heart of a universal theme of trust, friendship and love, as it elevates the story.”

Make no mistake about it, this marks Minhal Baig’s arrival as a brilliant director. Previously known for writing and directing the films 1 Night and Hala, and for writing for the TV series Bojak Horseman and Remy, she is about to make waves.

We Grown Now is the perfect opportunity to take a break from buzzy blockbusters and frothier fare, and settle in for a movie that nourishes the soul. You will not regret your decision.

Rated PG

1 Hour 33 Minutes

If this We Grown Now review encourages you to fly over to your local cineplex, get times and tickets at fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s We Grown Now review says the moving indie about two boys growing up all too fast in the Cabrini-Green projects will warm your heart and nourish your soul.