by Christian Grullon, Contributing Writer
Writer/director Savanah Leaf’s film, Earth Mama, is an impressive feature debut, and its star, Tia Nomore, is even more impressive. This film carries the audience through the harsh reality of the pressures that plague Black women today. Earth Mama centers on Gia (Nomore), a young Black woman who is pregnant with her third child while her other two are in foster care.
While she figures out what to do with her unborn child, Gia does everything she can to get her other two kids back. Leaf is remarkable in her feature debut at only 29 years of age. The shots are right on target, the craft is showcased beautifully, and there is precise editing. The short films and music videos Leaf has directed since 2016 prove to have been valuable experience. And Nomore stands out with her powerful performance.
Nomore displays the same level of affection with her lead character, which sets the tone of the film. The character is only 24 years old, but she’s forced to grow up quickly considering her circumstances. She doesn’t have the opportunities to achieve the American Dream, and she has to survive before she can live. The film really drives home that no matter how hard Gia tries, the odds are too much for her to overcome.
Another thing that stands out is the intimacy of the character, as the movie focuses on her struggles. Also, the narrative is told through the perspective of the mother. Specifically, the film does a good job at highlighting the pressure that being a parent brings, as well as the anxiety that comes with newborn’s arrival.
There are tons of difficult questions to ask while watching Earth Mama, such as, what does it mean to care for a child? Should it be given up for adoption if one doesn’t have resources to care for it? Earth Mama showcases the complexity of issues such as these, and the film doesn’t give one right moral answer to such difficult issues.
Tackling complex issues does come with a risk of losing touch with the story, but thankfully, Nomore and Leaf are able to keep the movie right on target with its overall plot. The emotional punch towards the end is too much for Gia to overcome. After fighting and trying so hard, it seems that the system will keep pulling her down because of her race and class, and the circumstances of her birth.
Earth Mama is an awakening film with serious character intimacy and emotionally gut-punching performances. Along with the serious tone, the movie never glosses over the harsh realities that people in Gia’s position face. This movie can hopefully help viewers have more compassion towards those who face systems that prevent them from moving forward in their lives.
Rating: Loved it
Earth Mama is currently playing in theaters
You can read more from Christian Grullon, or follow him on Twitter