Juanita (2019 film)
Juanita is an American drama film directed by Clark Johnson, from a screenplay by Roderick M. Spencer, based upon the novel Dancing on the Edge of the Roof by Sheila Williams. It stars Alfre Woodard and Adam Beach.
| Juanita | |
|---|---|
 Official poster | |
| Directed by | Clark Johnson |
| Produced by |
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| Written by | Roderick Spencer |
| Based on | Dancing on the Edge of the Roof by Sheila Williams |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Kevin Lax |
| Cinematography | Luc Montpellier |
| Edited by | Cindy Mollo |
Production company |
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| Distributed by | Netflix |
Release date |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
It was released on March 8, 2019, by Netflix.
Plot
A Columbus, Ohio woman takes a Greyhound bus to Butte, Montana, where she reinvents herself and meets an interesting cast of characters at a French restaurant.
Cast
- Alfre Woodard as Juanita - Ohio woman
- Adam Beach as Jess - First Nations owner of French restaurant
- LaTanya Richardson Jackson as Kay-Rita - Best friend
- Marcus Henderson as Randy - Son in prison
- Blair Underwood as himself
- Ashlie Atkinson as Peaches
- Tsulan Cooper as Mary - Jess's sister
- Bonnie Johnson as Ms. Berman - Nursing home friend
- Jordan Nia Elizabeth as Bertie - Daughter
- Acorye' White as Rashawn - Son
- Brian K. Landis as the Bus Driver
- Taborah Johnson as Passenger out West
- Joseph Yates as Carl
- Kat Smith as Mignon - Jess's niece
- Sam Hennings as Drew
- Michael Harding as Nick
- Barry Ratcliffe as Charlie
- Elaine Miles as Mountain - Deputy sheriff
Production
In April 2017, it was announced Woodard, Beach, Blair Underwood, Marcus Henderson, Ashlie Atkinson, Tsulan Cooper, LaTanya Richardson Jackson 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
Principal photography began in April 2017, in Virginia.[3][4][5]
Release
In April 2017, Netflix acquired distribution rights to the film.[6] It was released on March 8, 2019.[7]
Reception
On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 80% based on 15 reviews, with an average rating of 6.5/10.[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]
Alfre Woodard stated that a sequel was being written in an interview on the Kermode & Mayo Film Review podcast on 10 July 2020.
References
- 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.
- "Juanita (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 19, 2019.