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critics consensus

Premature transcends its familiar trappings with sharp dialogue and a strong sense of setting that further establish Rashaad Ernesto Green as a gifted filmmaker. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

On a summer night in Harlem during her last months at home before starting college, 17-year-old poet Ayanna begins a summer romance with Isaiah, a music producer who has just moved to the city.

Cast & Crew

Zora Howard
Ayanna
Joshua Boone
Isaiah
Michelle Wilson
Sarita
Alexis Marie Wint
Tenita
Imani Lewis
Shonte
Tashiana Washington
Jamila
Cecil Blutcher
Yorell
Bobbi A Bordley
Lexi
Rashaad Ernesto Green
Director
Rashaad Ernesto Green
Screenwriter
Zora Howard
Screenwriter
Darren Dean
Producer
Joy Ganes
Producer
Rashaad Ernesto Green
Producer
Chadd Harbold
Executive Producer
Eric Schultz
Executive Producer
Nikki Silver
Executive Producer
Shari Misher Stenzler
Executive Producer
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News & Interviews for Premature

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Critic Reviews for Premature

All Critics (55) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (51) | Rotten (4)

  • It gives off a good summer vibe...[it] develops quite a summer romance...this is what indie films are here to do for us...a marvelous film.

    June 23, 2020 | Rating: A | Full Review…

    tt stern-enzi

    WXIX-TV (Cincinnati, OH)

  • Premature is the kind of confident, remarkably vulnerable drama to which even veteran storytellers aspire.

    March 6, 2020 | Full Review…

    Candice Frederick

    Elle

  • "Premature" is a delicious slow-burn of a movie, the kind of coming-of-age tale that looks familiar on the surface only to reveal hidden depths of beauty and meaning.

    February 27, 2020 | Full Review…

    Ann Hornaday

    Washington Post

  • Rashaad Ernesto Green's poignant coming-of-age drama reflects his fruitful collaboration with Zora Howard, who wrote the script with him and also stars as Ayanna, a high-school senior in Harlem who is preparing to leave for college.

    February 24, 2020 | Full Review…

    Richard Brody

    New Yorker

  • It truly is an independent film in all the best possible ways: in the authenticity of it, the sense of place, in the fact that you feel like you're watching true people figuring out their lives.

    February 22, 2020 | Full Review…

    Christy Lemire

    FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

  • This film explores the very real ways that love heals, that it transforms, that it tests and changes us.

    February 21, 2020 | Full Review…

    Nijla Mu'min

    Shadow and Act
View All Critic Reviews (55)

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