Movies: Jazzy (2024) by Morrisa Maltz: The Fragile Geometry of Growing Up

Summary of Movie: The Fragile Geometry of Growing Up

Summary: Jazzy is a dreamlike, observational coming-of-age drama that serves as a spiritual successor to The Unknown Country. Filmed over six years, it captures the raw, unscripted transition of a young Oglala Lakota girl from the magic of childhood to the sobering realities of adolescence.

• The Fragile Geometry of Growing Up – Captures the shifting shapes of friendship as the protagonist, Jazzy, navigates a world where the adults are peripheral and her best friend is her entire universe.

• Summary of Content: The film follows Jazzy (Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux) and her best friend Syriah from ages 6 to 12 in South Dakota. When Syriah moves away, Jazzy must confront her first true sense of loss and find the footing for her own independent identity.

• Movie Trend: The Durational Hybrid Narrative – Similar to Boyhood, the film uses the real-time aging of its non-professional cast to blend documentary authenticity with scripted emotional arcs.

• Social Trend: Indigenous Sovereign Storytelling – A move away from trauma-centric narratives toward "slice-of-life" stories that center the mundane joy and universal experiences of Native American youth.

• Info about Director: Morrisa Maltz – Known for her visually poetic, "Malickian" style, Maltz specializes in collaborative filmmaking with marginalized communities, often blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

• Major Awards and Nominations: 2 Wins & 5 Nominations – Including the John Cassavetes Award and Best Editing at the 2025 Independent Spirit Awards, and a premiere in the U.S. Narrative Competition at Tribeca 2024.

• Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/jazzy (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/jazzy (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/jazzy (France), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/jazzy (UK)

  Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31371971/

  Link Review: https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/jazzy-review-morrisa-maltz-tribeca-1236035654/

Consumer Insights: This film is for the "patient viewer" who values atmosphere and emotional resonance over high-octane plot points. Insights for filmmakers: Collaborative screenwriting with non-actors (like the Shangreaux family) creates a level of authenticity that "professional" scripts often miss. Insights for Brands: There is a growing market for "Slow Cinema" that offers a meditative escape from the rapid-fire pace of social media.

Why It Is Trending: The Lily Gladstone Halo Effect

The film is generating significant buzz as it reunites the creative team behind The Unknown Country and features a pivotal appearance by Oscar-nominee Lily Gladstone.

• The Lily Gladstone Halo Effect

• Spiritual Sequel Buzz: Fans of Maltz's previous work are eager to see the "expansion" of this cinematic universe, which focuses on the children glimpsed in the first film.

• The "Boyhood" Comparison: The fact that the film was shot over six years has piqued the curiosity of cinephiles interested in durational cinema.

• Indie Spirit Momentum: Recent nominations at the 2025 Independent Spirit Awards have catapulted the film from "festival gem" to "award-season contender."

Consumer Insights: Trending because it offers a "gentle" look at Indigenous life, contrasting with the often heavy or violent depictions in mainstream media. Insights for filmmakers: Creating a "spiritual sequel" allows a director to build a loyal fanbase (the "Maltz-iverse") across multiple projects. Insights for Brands: The "quiet luxury" of independent film—focusing on quality and depth—aligns well with premium, arts-focused branding.

Why to Watch This Movie: A Poetic Glimpse into Girlhood

Jazzy is a "digital scrapbook" of childhood that prioritizes feeling over dialogue, offering a rare and intimate look at the specific joys of Lakota youth.

• A Poetic Glimpse into Girlhood

• Stunning Cinematography: Co-writer and DP Andrew Hajek uses "magic-hour" lighting and handheld intimacy to make the South Dakota landscape feel like a third lead character.

• Unfiltered Authenticity: Because the dialogue was developed through conversations with the children themselves, the banter feels "organic" and "lived-in."

• The "Peripheral Adult" Perspective: By keeping adults mostly off-screen or in the background, the film captures the "bubble" of childhood where kids are the center of their own universe.

Consumer Insights: Watch this if you enjoy "vibe-heavy" films like The Florida Project or the works of Terrence Malick. Insights for filmmakers: Trusting your audience to "feel" the story rather than "explaining" it via dialogue is a hallmark of elevated indie cinema. Insights for Brands: Visuals that emphasize "natural beauty" and "authentic connection" are highly effective for lifestyle and wellness marketing.

What Trend Is Followed? The Collaborative Hybrid Narrative

The film utilizes the Collaborative Hybrid Narrative, a growing movement in indie film where the script is built with the subjects rather than for them.

• The Collaborative Hybrid Narrative

• Non-Professional Synergy: Utilizing non-actors who play versions of themselves to bridge the gap between documentary and fiction.

• De-centered Narrative: Moving away from the "Hero's Journey" toward a more "circular" or "impressionistic" way of telling a story.

• Cultural Specificity: Focusing on the nuances of a specific community (Spearfish, SD) to find universal emotional truths.

Consumer Insights: Consumers are increasingly drawn to "real stories" that feel less manufactured and more like "eavesdropping" on real life. Insights for filmmakers: Involving your cast in the writing process (credited or otherwise) ensures cultural accuracy and character depth. Insights for Brands: Brands that champion "real people" and "untold stories" can leverage this trend for high-impact social campaigns.

Movie Plot: The Quiet Echoes of Departure

The narrative is an "impressionistic wave" that follows the internal world of a young girl as her social foundations begin to shift.

• The Quiet Echoes of Departure

• The Summer of Transition: The film begins in the "halcyon days" of late youth, where school bus rides and birthday parties are the peak of daily existence.

• The Sudden Gap: The primary conflict arises when Syriah moves away, turning Jazzy’s world into a space of "memory and longing."

• Independence Found: The final act follows Jazzy as she navigates her first period, new school crushes, and a family reunion on the reservation, eventually finding her own voice.

Consumer Insights: The plot requires the viewer to "lean in" and appreciate the small shifts in emotion rather than waiting for big action. Insights for filmmakers: A "thin" plot can be bolstered by "thick" atmosphere and character chemistry. Insights for Brands: Narratives centered on "firsts" (first loss, first period) offer strong opportunities for personal care and educational brand integrations.

Director's Vision: Capturing Time in Real-Time

In this Director's Vision, Morrisa Maltz sought to create a "visual poem" that respects the gravity of childhood problems without condescending to them.

• Director's Vision

• The Six-Year Experiment: Filming the same children as they actually aged to capture the "unfakeable" transition of their voices and bodies.

• Cinema Verité Styling: Utilizing handheld cameras and natural lighting to keep the viewer "immersed" in the girls' rural environment.

• The Power of Sound: A dense, dreamlike score by Alexis Marsh that mirrors the "emotional ebbs" of growing up.

Consumer Insights: Maltz’s vision offers a "meditative immersion" that rewards viewers looking for artistic depth. Insights for filmmakers: Longitudinal filming (shooting over years) is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that results in a unique "marketing hook." Insights for Brands: Directors with a "visual signature" (like Maltz’s lens flares and tall-grass shots) are ideal for high-end aesthetic collaborations.

Themes: Independence and the Weight of Distance

The film explores the "ever-evolving nuance" of female friendship and the "cultural legacy" that shapes a child's worldview.

• Independence and the Weight of Distance

• Girlhood as a "Before": The concept that childhood is a protected space before "adulthood's ugliness" begins to press down.

• Cultural Context: The background presence of Lakota traditions and language provides a "context of specificity" to universal growing pains.

• The Pain of Loyalty: How "moving away" is an existential crisis for a child, representing their first encounter with the impermanence of life.

Consumer Insights: Themes of "nostalgia" and "friendship" make the film universally relatable across different cultures. Insights for filmmakers: Focusing on "universal emotions" within a "specific culture" is the most effective way to reach global audiences. Insights for Brands: Themes of "resilience" and "identity" are key pillars for brands targeting Gen Z and Alpha.

Key Success Factors: Authentic Casting and Indigenous Voice

The film’s success stems from its "magnetic" young leads and the high-profile support of the indie film community.

• Key Success Factors

• The Duplass/Gladstone Connection: Having names like Lily Gladstone and the Duplass Brothers as Executive Producers provided the "prestige" needed for festival selection.

• Organic Chemistry: The real-life friendship between Jasmine and Syriah is the "engine" that makes the film's lack of plot work.

• Festival Pedigree: A strong debut at Tribeca followed by Independent Spirit nominations created a "must-see" status for indie fans.

Consumer Insights: The film’s "honesty" is its biggest selling point for audiences tired of "wise-cracking" child tropes. Insights for filmmakers: Securing "Prestige EPs" (Executive Producers) is crucial for small-scale indie films to break through the noise. Insights for Brands: Authentic "community-led" projects provide the highest level of trust and engagement for brand partnerships.

Awards and Nominations: Recognition from the Arthouse Circuit

The film has secured 2 wins and 5 nominations total, marking it as one of the most respected indie films of the year.

Most notably, it received a nomination for the John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for under $1M) at the 2025 Independent Spirit Awards. It was also nominated for Best Editing (Laura Colwell and Vanara Taing) at the same ceremony. The film’s premiere in the 2024 Tribeca Festival’s U.S. Narrative Competition solidified its standing as a critical heavyweight.

Consumer Insights: Awards confirm this is a "high-quality" watch for those who follow the "Spirit Award" circuit. Insights for filmmakers: Editing nominations are rare for "slow cinema," highlighting the film’s exceptional pacing and montage work. Insights for Brands: Associating with "award-winning indie" talent provides a "sophisticated" edge to brand image.

Critics Reception: A "Dazzling" and "Lyrical" Portrait

Critics have praised the film for its "profoundly moving" look at the mundane, though some note its "nebulous" structure might not be for everyone.

• A "Dazzling" and "Lyrical" Portrait

• Variety:* Called it a "soulful storyteller" piece that reinforces Maltz as a "true independent."

• IndieWire:* Awarded a B+, praising Maltz for "trusting her audience" and telling the story through visuals.

• The Hollywood Reporter:* Noted the "stirring profundity" Maltz finds in daily events.

Consumer Insights: Critics recommend the film to those who want to "feel" rather than just "watch." Insights for filmmakers: Positive reviews for "experimental" structures can help secure future funding for non-traditional projects. Insights for Brands: High "Metascores" (83) are a key metric for streaming platforms when deciding on acquisitions.

Reviews: Polarity in the "Slice of Life" Genre

Audiences are deeply divided, with "arthouse fans" hailing it as a masterpiece and "mainstream viewers" finding it difficult to finish.

• Polarity in the "Slice of Life" Genre

• Rotten Tomatoes (95%): Critics overwhelmingly agree on the film's artistic merit and emotional impact.

• IMDb (6.0/10): Features contrasting user reviews. TheDome81 described it as a "total snooze fest" where "nothing happens," while other users called it a "vivid and emotional" digital scrapbook.

• Letterboxd: Frequently cited as a "top 10" for users who appreciate "visual poetry" and "slow cinema."

Consumer Insights: Be aware that this is a "mood piece"—if you need a fast-paced plot, this may feel like a "snooze fest." Insights for filmmakers: Low user scores on IMDb (6.0) often reflect a "mismatch" between the marketing and the actual viewing experience. Insights for Brands: The "niche" but "passionate" following on Letterboxd is a prime target for artistic and cultural brands.

What Movie Trend film is following: The Durational Coming-of-Age

• The Durational Coming-of-Age

• Longitudinal Filming: Following a child’s literal physical growth over years (e.g., Boyhood).

• Minimalist Plotting: Prioritizing "atmosphere" and "mood" over traditional three-act structures.

• Spiritual Successors: Creating "connected universes" between indie films (e.g., The Unknown Country and Jazzy).

Consumer Insights: This trend caters to a "sophisticated" audience looking for a deeper connection to characters. Insights for filmmakers: Durational filming allows for "unplanned" moments of magic that can't be scripted. Insights for Brands: The concept of "growing with the audience" is a powerful narrative for long-term brand loyalty.

What Big Social Trend is following: Indigenous Sovereign Storytelling

• Indigenous Sovereign Storytelling

• Joy as Resistance: Moving away from "Native trauma" to show the simple, everyday joy of Indigenous children.

• Collaborative Creation: Ensuring the community being filmed has "creative ownership" of the story.

• Cultural Specificity: Highlighting the Lakota language and reservation life as a "natural" part of the modern world.

Consumer Insights: Consumers are demanding more "authentic representation" that doesn't rely on stereotypes. Insights for filmmakers: Socio-realism in Indigenous cinema is a growing market with high international festival interest. Insights for Brands: Brands that support "diverse and authentic" voices are seeing higher engagement with Gen Z.

What Consumer Trend is following: The "Slow Cinema" Sanctuary

• The "Slow Cinema" Sanctuary

• Meditative Viewing: A desire for content that allows the viewer to "breathe" and reflect.

• Atmospheric Escape: Seeking out films that emphasize "location" and "vibe" as a form of armchair travel.

• The "Shortlist" Hunt: Relying on Independent Spirit or Oscar shortlists to find "vetted" artistic content.

Consumer Insights: In an age of "short-form" content, "long-form" slow cinema is becoming a luxury experience. Insights for filmmakers: "Slow cinema" works best when the visuals and sound design are "high-fidelity" and immersive. Insights for Brands: Partnering with "meditative" content provides a "peaceful" touchpoint for consumers in a loud digital world.

Final Verdict: A Subtle Masterpiece of Presence

Jazzy is a tender and visually stunning achievement that proves Morrisa Maltz is a major voice in American independent cinema. While its "leisurely pace" may alienate some, it remains an essential watch for its raw authenticity.

• A Subtle Masterpiece of Presence

• A breakout lead performance by Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux.

• A masterclass in atmosphere over artifice.

• Highly Recommended for fans of The Florida Project, Boyhood, or Nomadland.

Consumer Insights: It’s a "quiet" film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Insights for filmmakers: Sometimes "nothing happening" is where the most "life" occurs. Insights for Brands: "Authentic vulnerability" is the most powerful tool for creating a lasting emotional connection.

Similar Movies: Portraits of Girlhood and Native Land

Summary: If the "lyrical stream of consciousness" and cultural specificity of Jazzy moved you, these films explore similar ground.

• Portraits of Girlhood and Native Land

• The Unknown Country (2022): The "mother film" to Jazzy, starring Lily Gladstone in a Malick-style road trip.

• Fancy Dance (2024): Another Lily Gladstone-led drama focusing on an aunt and niece navigating life on a reservation.

• The Florida Project (2017): For a similar "child's eye view" of the world where adults are on the periphery.

Consumer Insights: These films create a "curated" viewing experience for those interested in modern Indigenous narratives. Insights for filmmakers: Creating a "watch list" of similar films helps position your project within a recognizable "sub-genre." Insights for Brands: "Cross-promoting" within a genre allows brands to reach a highly targeted "cinephile" audience.

Final Insight on Market Positioning: For Filmmakers and For Consumers

• For Filmmakers:

  • The "Prestige" Model: By focusing on "artistic integrity" and "festival recognition" (Tribeca/Spirit Awards), the film secures a legacy beyond the box office.

  • Community Collaboration: Involving the Lakota community wasn't just "good ethics"—it was the film's "creative engine."

• For Consumers:

  • The "Vibe" Watch: This is the ultimate "rainy day" movie for those who want to be transported to a different world through "visual poetry."

Consumer Insights: Positioned as "Award-Winning Indie," the film appeals to the "critic-driven" consumer. Insights for filmmakers: Using a "known star" (Lily Gladstone) in a supporting role is a smart way to market a film led by "unknown" children. Insights for Brands: "Aesthetic credibility" is the currency of 2025; Jazzy has it in spades.

Trends 2025: The Durational Hybrid Documentary

Summary: The Durational Hybrid Documentary (e.g., Jazzy) is a 2025 trend where fiction filmmakers use real-time aging and community collaboration to create "unscripted" emotional depth.

• The Durational Hybrid Documentary

• Elements of the Trend:

  • Long-Term Production Cycles: Shooting over years to capture "biological" character development.

  • Community-Sourced Scripts: Dialogue and plots built from the real-life experiences of the cast.

  • Visual Impressionism: Prioritizing "atmosphere" and "mood" over traditional narrative beats.

Implication for Entertainment Industry: We will see more "companion pieces" and "sequels" that focus on minor characters from previous indie hits, allowing filmmakers to build "deep-lore" universes on low budgets while maintaining a high level of artistic "truth."