From time to time it is good to remember that social reality does not necessarily have to be monotonous meat and potatoes. London-born writer-director (and former Olympic volleyball player) Savannah Leaf's debut feature, Earth Mama , follows Ma Gia (Tia Nomore), a young black woman from the Bay Area.
She is determined to regain custody of her two children, who are in foster care due to past drug problems. She works in a photography studio while dealing with the daily stress of being denied credit cards and running out of credit. In the meantime, the one who becomes pregnant again must decide the future of the next child. We also see Gia in group sessions and workshops with her colleague (Erika Alexander), where she reluctantly interrupts while other people tell their stories, including their experiences as children in foster care.
It could indicate the violent elements of the docudrama; In fact, Leaf is based on a documentary he previously made with Canadian actor Taylor Russell. But Page takes a surprisingly poetic approach. The film was shot by Jody Lee Lipes in 16mm format. The look of the film is not land, water, air, but a distinctly fluid sense of time and, throughout, a sequoia near Oakland, reverie and the elements. Lipps' cinematography favors a gentle palette of smoky lilacs and pinks, while Kelsey Lowe's jazz/ambient score emphasizes the fluid atmosphere.
Oakland rapper Nomore, making his acting debut, delivers a compelling performance as a fragile but resilient introvert, and the way Leaf collects other people's testimonies around Gear creates a sense of refrain that resonates with deep drama . Beyond his hero. “Earth Mama” sits at a strange intersection between politically charged cinema and novelty, but the quiet boldness of Leaf’s approach makes it eloquent and remarkable.
★★★★☆
In UK cinemas from December 8th.
