"Petite Maman": Movie Review
Written By Alex Greenbaum
"Petite Maman" utilizes a straightforward narrative to create an intelligent tale of retrospection. While director and writer Céline Sciamma's ("Portrait Of A Lady On Fire", "Tomboy") films more commonly deal with the hardship of relationships, here she explores the thoughts and feelings of two young eight-year-old girls, Nelly (Joséphine Sanz) and Marion (Gabrielle Sanz). Without spoiling the concept, there's a variety of insights sprinkled throughout that blossom as the narrative unfolds. The subtle character transformations resonate and are often thought-provoking.
Sciamma's direction remains a glowing positive, but unlike her other films, "Petit Maman" relies on its overly simplistic visual direction, which hinders its challenging concept. Much like a facade to appeal to younger children but also to stand as a film for adults, everything is seen from Nelly's perspective, but it had me wishing for a broader scope.
Yet even with this glaring hiccup, there's enough here to chew on, even at an unheard-of 73-minute runtime. Nelly's interactions with her parents are charming and reveal many personal traumas that will draw you in dramatically. Even the tiny glances of the married couple divulge the hardship of their relationship without a single word spoken. These small details enhance what is already a beautifully filmed voyage of youthful discovery.
It's not Sciamma's best work but her most endearing. The playful behavior of Nelly and Marion is sweet, but the overwhelming success originates from its adult themes. And these new cinematic threads will spark conversations after the credits roll.
Comments
Post a Comment