‘We Grown Now’ Debuts on Netflix: A Heartfelt Tale of Friendship and Strength
Don’t miss We Grown Now on Netflix, a heartfelt coming-of-age story set in 1990s Chicago, following two best friends living in public housing.
Sony Pictures Classics’ latest film, We Grown Now, will debut on Netflix on October 3rd. Directed by Minhal Baig, the coming-of-age drama follows two boys growing up in public housing in 1990s Chicago. Featuring standout performances from its young cast and Jurnee Smollett, the film has received critical praise for its warmth and realism.
After a notable gap, Sony Pictures Classics returns to Netflix with the release of We Grown Now. This critically acclaimed film, directed and written by Minhal Baig, is set to make its streaming debut on October 3rd. The movie first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2023, followed by a limited theatrical release. Thanks to Sony’s first window deal with Netflix, signed in 2021, the film will soon be available to a wider audience in the U.S.
A Journey from Theaters to Streaming
We Grown Now explores life in 1990s Chicago through the lens of two young best friends living in public housing. The cast features a mix of rising stars and seasoned actors, including Blake Cameron James, Gian Knight Ramirez, S. Epatha Merkerson, Avery Holliday, and Ora Jones. The supporting roles are filled by well-known names such as Lil Rel Howery and Jurnee Smollett, whose standout performances have captured the attention of both critics and audiences.
The story touches on the everyday challenges faced by the boys as they navigate their friendship and personal growth in a community filled with both obstacles and hope. The film’s authenticity and emotional depth have resonated with many viewers, particularly in its portrayal of childhood resilience in the face of adversity.
Critical Acclaim for the Film
Critics have warmly received We Grown Now, praising the young cast’s performances and the poignant message of the film. Paste Magazine’s Jacob Oller called it a “‘90s coming-of-age drama filled with realistic warmth, rumbling hopes, and roadblocks in front of children whose very existence is defiant.” His review highlighted the movie’s ability to strike a balance between nostalgia and raw emotional moments, making it a memorable experience.
Similarly, Brian Tallerico, writing for RogerEbert.com, commended the movie’s deep empathy for its characters. He noted that the family drama is brought to life through “a warm visual language” and a captivating performance from Jurnee Smollett. This combination of storytelling, visuals, and acting helped cement We Grown Now as a family drama with a unique blend of tenderness and authenticity.
A Must-Watch on Netflix
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for We Grown Now on Netflix. The movie’s exploration of friendship, hardship, and triumph has captured the hearts of festival-goers and is poised to do the same for streaming audiences. With its universal themes of childhood resilience and hope, the film promises to be both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
If you’re looking for a movie that not only entertains but also leaves you reflecting on the power of relationships and community, We Grown Now is a must-watch when it lands on Netflix on October 3rd.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information about the film We Grown Now. The views expressed are those of the reviewers mentioned and not necessarily reflective of Netflix or Sony Pictures.)
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