The Power of Healing and the Unexpected

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MOVIE REVIEW
I Watched Her Grow
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Genre: Sci-Fi, Coming-of-Age
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 8m
Director(s): Shea Formanes
Writer(s): Shea Formanes
Cast: Michelle Colman Padron, Taylor Freeman, Aarti Tiwari, Eloisa Cardona
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 TRIFI International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: With an emotional core focused on grief, healing, and unexpected friendships, I WATCHED HER GROW brings together fantasy and drama in a unique, heartfelt manner. The film’s ambitions shine through, even if some elements feel the tug of its indie roots. However, what it accomplishes in its brief runtime is impressive for a debut effort.

At the heart of the story is Ada (Michelle Colman Padron,) a young woman with a remarkable talent for caring for plants. This skill becomes a way of caring for her ailing mother, Mirren (Eloisa Cardona.) The two share an intimate bond until heartbreak rears its ugly head; Ada retreats from the world, isolating herself and closing off emotionally. Enter Wren (Taylor Freeman,) a runaway teenager with secrets of her own. Their connection, though unexpected, becomes the catalyst for both women to confront their troubled pasts and begin the process of healing.

Ada’s bond with the natural world isn’t just a plot device; it symbolizes her internal journey. Her connection to plants, first portrayed as a way to cope with her mother’s illness, later transforms into a metaphor for the healing process. The film uses this to highlight how nurturing others—or, in this case, plants—can mirror the act of learning to promote oneself. This thematic layering adds depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward coming-of-age story.

Another standout aspect is the film’s commitment to representation. With a cast of women and a significant portion of the crew identifying as BIPOC, I WATCHED HER GROW champions diversity both in front of and behind the camera. It’s a refreshing change of pace, and this focus on inclusion earned the film the prestigious ReFrame Stamp, recognizing its efforts in promoting gender equality.

The film does face challenges, primarily stemming from its limited runtime and small budget. Clocking in at just over an hour, I WATCHED HER GROW introduces several intriguing ideas but struggles to explore them. While central to the story, the bond between Ada and Wren sometimes feels rushed, and the supernatural elements—such as Ada’s extraordinary connection to plants—don’t get the exploration they deserve.

The performances, particularly by Padron as Ada and Freeman as Wren, constitute a significant strength of the film. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their portrayal of complex emotions—grief, fear, and the gradual rebuilding of trust—feels authentic. Padron carries the weight of the film on her shoulders, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the struggle of someone grappling with deep trauma. Freeman’s Wren is a perfect counterbalance, bringing a mix of vulnerability and resilience that adds layers to their evolving relationship.

Ultimately, I WATCHED HER GROW is a promising debut that showcases the potential of its creator. It may not have all the polish of some bigger budget productions, but what it lacks in technical refinement, it makes up for in heart. The film’s imperfections are overshadowed by its sincerity and message of resilience, growth, and the power of human connection. This film will likely strike a chord with those who appreciate character-driven stories with a touch of magic.

There’s something undeniably hopeful about watching characters like Ada and Wren navigate life’s challenges. They don’t have all the answers, nor does the film—but that’s precisely what makes it feel so real.

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