After the death of her beloved grandmother, eight-year-old Nelly meets a strangely familiar girl her own age in the woods. Instantly forming a connection, they embark on a fantastical journey of discovery which helps Nelly come to terms with her newfound loss. Drawing lovely, subtle performances from her young stars, French auteur Céline Sciamma (PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE) allows us to see the world through Nelly and Marion’s eyes. The result is a film of tremendous tenderness and somber beauty that, like all of Sciamma’s films, celebrates the spectrum of feminine connection.
“A story even more delicate and moving than Sciamma's last effort, this takes an unusual and thoughtful look at girlhood, motherhood and friendship. It's enchanting.” —Helen O’Hara, Empire Magazine “Given its MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO-like reverie of sweet, simple messages, PETITE MAMAN surely has a future on countless lists of the greatest comfort movies. But the film's warmth is never saccharine, nor does it take away from the overall themes of love and loss. Soft, charming and generous, Sciamma has once again proven her mastery in telling stories about girlhood. This is the cinematic equivalent of a bowl of hot and nourishing soup, served on a cold day.” —Steph Green, We Love Cinema (UK)
