"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.
