Petite Maman (2021)

If I have a penny for every boring, pretentious and emotionally detached french film, I'd be richer than King Solomon himself. Only Sciamma can make 70 minutes feels like an eternity. It's hard to watch and I can't grasp anything on it, honestly there's not much to grasp in the first place. Part of what makes it hard to watch are the child actors, they're like an actual robot when they talk to each other and its irritating. If you like to watch 2 children and some adults doing mundane activity check this one out but don't expect anything beyond that.

Fmovies: Her movies are always vibrant and colorful. Memories are tangible. The girl in the movie is too mature for her age. Brilliantly acted. Retracing the path her mother took. Having more connection with her mother. The father is shown sensible. How do we deal with the death of loved ones? Goodbyes are always never good.

Poignant and quiet French fantasy drama that subsequently connected the dots between grappling and bonding although Céline Sciamma played with slow-footed ambiguity most of the times. Sanz twins and their act of innocence in daily manners won audience over.

Petite Maman fmovies. It's so nice, original, sweet and lovely. It has a very interesting idea that is portrayed beautifully. It's so sensational, it delivers lots of feelings without saying much. Cinematography is amazing and so is the screenplay.

"You never tell me about when you were little."

Nelly has just lost her grandmother and is helping her parents clean out her mother's childhood home. She explores the house and the surrounding woods. One day she meets a girl her same age building a treehouse. Petite Maman is Céline Sciamma's newest film since Portrait of a Lady on Fire. We all know the at she made an absolute masterpiece out of it and many of us have been anticipating this release since the announcement of it. Luckily for us, almost every review has come in positive. Most have agreed that it doesn't get nearly as impressive as Portrait, but it's an overall pleasing film. I found myself liking it much more than the generally positive reviews. Sciamma knows how to make you feel something. The childlike essence of the film brings out memories of how we once were and what changed. Even how the cinematography captures the autumn woods is much like how a child sees things. Her films have almost always had this supernatural quality or aspect to it, even if it's hidden and not actually reality. This is by far her most "supernatural" and almost feels like imagination. Though, I believe what is happening is happening.

The two children at the heart of the film, Joséphine and Gabrielle Sanz, are real life siblings so you know the relationship is real between the two. Simply watching them is heartening and delightful. I'm god they aren't put into positions where they overact. Some might say they aren't acting enough, but I see them acting how a child at that age would. Nelly is put into a position that makes her take on mother-like qualities and be mature for her age. That doesn't take away the child from her. All of the parental figures are great as well. I like the exploration of depression and how adults and kids have to deal with it. There's a sentimental feel hovering the whole time. A few moments did make me tear up either from joy or the reality of the situation. This is a bittersweet film that is completely wholesome. Petite Maman didn't come off slight for me and, in fact, was triumphant in what it wanted to say. Céline Sciamma still has yet to disappoint, and her newest addition is something everyone can relate to.

Watch this one with a box of tissues. A big one. Nelly (Joséphine Sanz) has lost her grandma. Saying goodbye at the nursing home, it's a solemn start, but I swear if you're not also smiling within 5 minutes, check your pulse. Staying with her mother and father in the old family home in the French countryside, as they clear the place. It's autumnal, reflective, melancholic. The house although sparse looking, is full of memories for mum, and exciting discoveries for Nelly. Most notably Marion (Gabrielle Sanz, yes related), who she meets building a hut out of branches in the woods around the house. Marion isn't just any girl. She's special. She's magical. Giving Nelly an insight to help her grieve and find out things about herself. It's wonderful. Truly. Both the girls are fantastic on screen and the whole thing looks calmly beautiful. Nelly knows something isn't quite right, but it's not eerie, it's rated U after all. It doesn't dumb things down for a younger audience either though. It's intelligent, sophisticated, perfectly paced. I won't say any more than that. Director Céline Sciamma has created something quite fantastic. With a final scene that left me smiling through the tears.