Petite Maman

About Petite Maman

"Petite Maman" is a beautiful, introspective film directed by Céline Sciamma, which was premiered in 2021. It follows the story of an 8-year-old girl named Nelly who, following the death of her grandmother, explores her mother's childhood home, only to meet a little girl of the same age in the woods who turns out to be her mother.

Making / Production

The movie was filmed in the region of Île-de-France, around Paris, and was produced by the French production company, Lilies Films. Sciamma is known for her mesmerizing film-making style, and "Petite Maman" is no exception with its dream-like storytelling and beautiful cinematography.

Actors

• Joséphine Sanz portrays the role of Nelly. She brilliantly depicts the innocence, curiosity, and emotional maturity of her character.
• Gabrielle Sanz, the younger sister of Joséphine in real life, does an excellent job of portraying Marion, the young version of Nelly's mother.
• Nina Meurisse plays Nelly's adult mother. Her portrayal lays the groundwork for understanding the childhood emotions that Nelly's mother went through.
• Stéphane Varupenne plays the role of Nelly's father, providing much-needed support and understanding during difficult times.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The two main characters, Nelly and Marion, are played by real-life sisters, Joséphine and Gabrielle Sanz.
• This movie marks the fourth time that director Céline Sciamma has directed a film around the theme of childhood.

Quotes

• "It's funny, here, I don't feel like a grown-up." - Nelly
• "It's easier to imagine for you, you're smaller." - Marion to Nelly

Music, Soundtrack

• "Petite maman" lacks a traditional score or soundtrack, instead opting for a more naturalistic use of sound. The silence and ambient noises enhance the film's introspective mood and focus on the relationship between Nelly and Marion.