In Minhal Baig’s lyrical drama ‘We Grown Now,’ two 11-year-old boys, Malik and Eric, embark on a poignant journey through the complexities of childhood amidst the turbulent backdrop of Chicago’s infamous Cabrini-Green public housing development. Set in the fall of 1992, the film captures a moment in time when the promise of urban renewal had shattered, leaving behind a community marred by poverty, violence, and systemic neglect.
Against this backdrop, Malik and Eric find solace in their friendship and unwavering bond. Together, they navigate the challenges of growing up in an environment where danger lurks around every corner, and the adults around them struggle to protect them from the harsh realities of life. Despite the hardships they face, the boys maintain their innocence and sense of adventure, finding joy in simple pleasures like jumping from a mattress and escaping the mundane school environment to explore the wonders of the Art Institute.
Baig’s film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of childhood to find joy amidst adversity. Through the eyes of Malik and Eric, we witness the complexities of a community often defined by its struggles, uncovering the strength, resilience, and unwavering bonds that exist within it.
While some moments in the film lean more towards whimsical ideas of play and inspiration, they serve as a reminder of the boundless imagination and creativity that children possess, even in the most challenging of circumstances. Malik and Eric’s friendship and their ability to find joy amidst the darkness is a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the most difficult of places, the human spirit has the capacity to triumph.
