Juanita (2019 film)

Juanita
Official poster
Directed byClark Johnson
Written byRoderick Spencer
Based onDancing on the Edge of the Roof
by Sheila Williams
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyLuc Montpellier
Edited byCindy Mollo
Music byKevin Lax
Production
companies
Distributed byNetflix
Release date
  • March 8, 2019 (2019-03-08) (United States)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Juanita is a 2019 American drama film directed by Clark Johnson and adapted from a screenplay by Roderick M. Spencer, based upon the novel Dancing on the Edge of the Roof by Sheila Williams. Starring Alfre Woodard and Adam Beach, with Ashlie Atkinson, Sam Hennings, Blair Underwood, and LaTanya Richardson Jackson in supporting roles, it was released on March 8, 2019, by Netflix.

Plot

Fed up with her life, a Columbus, Ohio woman leaves behind her adult children and her dead-end job taking care of patients at a nursing home and takes a Greyhound bus to Butte, Montana, where she reinvents herself and meets an interesting cast of characters at a French-cuisine restaurant.

Cast

Production

In April 2017, it was announced Woodard, Beach, Blair Underwood, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Marcus Henderson, Ashlie Atkinson, Tsulan Cooper, and Kat Smith, had joined the cast of the film, with Johnson directing from a screenplay by Roderick M. Spencer, based upon the novel by Sheila Williams. Stephanie Allain, Mel Jones and Jason Michael Berman produced the film under their Homegrown Pictures and Mandalay Pictures banners, respectively.[1][2]

Filming

Principal photography began in April 2017, in Virginia.[3][4][5]

Release

In April 2017, Netflix acquired distribution rights to the film.[6] It was released on March 8, 2019.[7]

Reception

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 82% based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10.[8] Site's Critics Consensus says: "Juanita's refreshing journey of self-actualization may lead to a predictable destination, but a sterling star turn by Alfre Woodard gives this sojourn an invaluable spark."[8]

Woodard stated that a sequel was being written in an interview on the Kermode & Mayo Film Review podcast on 10 July 2020.

References

  1. ^ McNary, Dave (April 7, 2017). "Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood to Star in Drama 'Juanita'". Variety. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  2. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (April 12, 2017). "'Get Out' Actor Marcus Henderson Cast In 'Juanita'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  3. ^ "Movie 'Juanita' Set to Film in Central Virginia". Associated Press. April 6, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  4. ^ "Film, TV series now filming in Petersburg". Richmond Free Press. April 25, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  5. ^ Farrell, Tony (August 29, 2017). "Virginia plays roles as setting for movies, host of film festivals". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  6. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (April 25, 2017). "Netflix Picks Up Alfre Woodard-Starring Drama 'Juanita'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  7. ^ Boone, Keyaira (February 11, 2019). "Girl Bye! Watch Alfre Woodard Leave The Drama Behind In New 'Juanita' Trailer". Essence. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  8. ^ a b "Juanita (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved October 10, 2021.