Film of the Day: "Petite Maman" — The Most Tender, Sweet and Heartwarming Cinema of Recent Years

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French director Céline Sciamma, creator of "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," once again crafts a simple, almost quiet story — but it's impossible to look away.

What the movie is about

Eight-year-old Nelly (Joséphine Sanz) loses her grandmother. Together with her parents, she travels to the countryside house where her mother spent her childhood to sort through belongings. There, in the forest, she meets a girl her own age who looks exactly like her mom. They build a fort, play games, and share their fears.

But gradually Nelly realizes: she's traveled back in time. And her new friend is actually her mother as a child.

Viewing experience

Instead of explaining "how is this possible" — pure magic, without unnecessary words. That's the power of "Petite Maman" (2021): it doesn't theorize, it lives. This is a story about how children can understand their parents if given the chance. Not through shouting, not through conflict — but through play, forest, and fairy tale.
A girl lies on the bed reading a book while a woman sits beside the bed with a book
Still from "Petite Maman"
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The film runs just 70 minutes. But in that duration — everything: grief, acceptance, childhood fragility, adult longing. While watching, you catch yourself experiencing that rare cinematic feeling when it almost speaks your language.

What critics and audiences say

On Rotten Tomatoes — 97% "fresh," on IMDb — 7.4. Viewers write: "Tender, smart, magical," "I cried, though I didn't know why." They especially praise the performances of the two young actresses — twin sisters.
"Petite Maman" trailer
Film critic Taylor Gates from That Hashtag Show wrote in her review: "If you're looking for a gentle, heartfelt film that can evoke strong emotions, this movie won't disappoint you."

Should you watch it?

Absolutely. Especially if you once wanted to talk to a parent — but it was already too late. This isn't just a movie. It's a conversation you might never have dared to start. Earlier on zoomboola.com we covered the film "Die My Love" — Jennifer Lawrence's best role in recent years.