Future Weather

In filmmaker Jenny Deller's Future Weather, 13-year-old protagonist Lauduree (Perla Haney-Jardine) writes in a student essay, "Science brings me closer to the world." That connection comes in handy when her single mother, Tanya (Marin Ireland), abandons her to become a makeup artist in Hollywood, recommending that her daughter contact her grandmother, Greta (Amy Madigan), for assistance. Initially, the independent-minded girl simply goes about her business—not telling anyone anything—but when she's caught shoplifting, Greta steps in to save the day. Greta, who works as a nurse, is a better provider than Tanya, but Lauduree has a hard time leaving her home and science experiments behind. Greta is also planning to move from Illinois to Florida to live with her long-distance boyfriend, Ed (William Sadler), which would further uproot Lauduree. In the midst of this turmoil, Lauduree forms bonds with her supportive science teacher, Ms. Markovi (Lili Taylor), and soft-spoken classmate Neel (Anubhav Jain), who shares her interest in the environment. The three join forces to make a video about endangered species, although Lauduree expects more from Ms. Markovi than the teacher can reasonably provide. More convincing than most Hollywood coming-of-age movies, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)