Petite Maman, Film 4, written and directed by Céline Sciamma.

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/petite-maman/on-demand/74620-001

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petite_Maman

Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady blindsided me. It was one of those films where you hold your breath because it’s pretty much perfect. I hoped Petite Maman would be a similar experience. It wasn’t.

Petite Maman aligns with the film’s theme. It involves a young girl exploring her mother’s past and forming connections across different generations. Time bends as it does in Back to the Future, when Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox. Marty) goes from 1985 to 1955. Inadvertently, he becomes involved in a situation where his mother, Lorraine Baines (Lea Thompson)—Marty’s mother in both the present (1985) and the past (1955)—develops a crush on him during his time travel to the 1950s.

Here eight-year-old Nelly (Joséphine Sanz) meets her mother Marion (Gabrielle Sanz), who is also eight-years-old, building a den in the woods. I guess there are some great philosophical questions I missed. Using ‘little’ may suggest both the girl’s age and the endearing nature of the mother-daughter relationship portrayed in the movie, or it may not. Disappointing.

Notes.

1. "Water Lilies" (2007): Céline Sciamma's debut feature explores the nuances of female adolescence, focusing on the relationships between three teenage girls. Critically acclaimed for its authenticity and portrayal of teenage emotions.
2. "Tomboy" (2011): This film tells the story of a young girl named Laure who, during a summer vacation, assumes a different gender identity. "Tomboy" received praise for its sensitivity and nuanced approach to gender identity issues.
3. "Girlhood" (2014): A coming-of-age drama centered around Marieme, a teenager from a tough neighbourhood in Paris. "Girlhood" was lauded for its exploration of identity, friendship, and societal expectations.
4. "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" (2019): Set in the 18th century, this historical romance follows the relationship between a painter and her subject. Widely acclaimed, it won the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival and was praised for its cinematography and emotional depth.

Critical Reception and Awards:

• "Water Lilies," "Tomboy," and "Girlhood" established Sciamma as a skilled director with a keen understanding of the intricacies of adolescence.
• "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" received widespread acclaim, earning Sciamma the Best Screenplay award at Cannes and a César Award for Best Cinematography.