Hence Petite Maman is clouded with a mysterious and mesmerizing aura thanks to the aforementioned twist. Making things more bewildering is just how alike yet slightly different Nelly and Marion are, as actual sisters play them. It makes you wonder, what the hell you’re seeing right now? It is undoubtedly a genius move that creates a hypnotic feeling by bordering the uncanny valley. Additionally, using siblings helped with the special chemistry and complicity needed between the leads as the girls carry the whole production.
That being said, no aspects of the film are faulty, starting with its look. Highly-stylized simplicity reigns supreme with a soothing palette and cinematography, making few scenes resemble Instagram’s most-liked “autumnal forest walk” reels. Similarly, the choice of music/soundtrack was interesting and, at times, otherworldly, particularly elevating the almost esoteric last act.
“…might just be Sciamma’s best…”
Despite a premise consisting of supernatural elements, the movie never falls into Lynchian-like explanations. Things are just what they are, and the whole viewing experience is akin to a visual “madeleine of Proust.” It harkens back to an innocent time where the greatest pleasures were being with friends on a rainy afternoon, drinking a sweet cup of hot cocoa, and making a mess attempting to flip crepes. Heartfelt and genuine sentiments abound, making Petite Maman one of the finest titles of the year, one that can appeal to the (weird) kid in all of us.
While the film comes across as near-perfectly crafted in its restraint, it could have been more impactful – it is a movie of few words, after all – if it had a slightly longer runtime and a bit more discussion of how these things are happening. The story also takes time getting to the intrigue as Sciamma cleverly offers unhurried effortless-looking filmmaking apt for a moody and atmospheric feature.
Sure, there is something unattainable about Petite Maman, but there’s a way this could reach open, patient audiences who will allow the magic cast to sweep them up. The experimental fable involving death, sickness, and wild animals, coupled with the unexpected twist, is what makes this fantasy drama so unique. It might just be Sciamma’s best, with some of the strongest components from her previous films playing out with some fresh ingredients.
Petite Mamon screened at the 2021 AFI Fest.
"…clouded with a mysterious and mesmerizing aura..."
