Juanita (2019 film)
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.
| Juanita | |
|---|---|
Official poster | |
| Directed by | Clark Johnson |
| Written by | Roderick Spencer |
| Based on | Dancing on the Edge of the Roof by Sheila Williams |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Luc Montpellier |
| Edited by | Cindy Mollo |
| Music by | Kevin Lax |
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by | Netflix |
Release date |
|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot edit
This section needs an improved plot summary. (August 2020) |
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 edit
- Alfre Woodard as Juanita - Ohio woman
- Adam Beach as Jess - First Nations owner of French restaurant
- Ashlie Atkinson as Peaches
- Sam Hennings as Drew
- Blair Underwood as Himself
- LaTanya Richardson Jackson as Kay-Rita - Best friend
- Marcus Henderson as Randy - Son in prison
- Elaine Miles as Mountain - Deputy sheriff
- Taborah Johnson as Passenger out West
- Tsulan Cooper as Mary - Jess's sister
- Bonnie Johnson as Ms. Berman - Nursing home friend
- Jordan Nia Elizabeth as Bertie - Daughter
- Acoryé White as Rashawn - Son
- Brian K. Landis as the Bus Driver
- Joseph Yates as Carl
- Kat Smith as Mignon - Jess's niece
- Michael Harding as Nick
- Barry Ratcliffe as Charlie
Production edit
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 edit
Principal photography began in April 2017, in Virginia.[3][4][5]
Release edit
In April 2017, Netflix acquired distribution rights to the film.[6] It was released on March 8, 2019.[7]
Reception edit
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 edit
- ^ McNary, Dave (April 7, 2017). "Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood to Star in Drama 'Juanita'". Variety. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
- ^ N'Duka, Amanda (April 12, 2017). "'Get Out' Actor Marcus Henderson Cast In 'Juanita'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
- ^ "Movie 'Juanita' Set to Film in Central Virginia". Associated Press. April 6, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
- ^ "Film, TV series now filming in Petersburg". Richmond Free Press. April 25, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- ^ Farrell, Tony (August 29, 2017). "Virginia plays roles as setting for movies, host of film festivals". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- ^ N'Duka, Amanda (April 25, 2017). "Netflix Picks Up Alfre Woodard-Starring Drama 'Juanita'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
- ^ Boone, Keyaira (February 11, 2019). "Girl Bye! Watch Alfre Woodard Leave The Drama Behind In New 'Juanita' Trailer". Essence. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
- ^ a b "Juanita (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
External links edit
- Juanita at IMDb