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Poster for Petite Maman

Petite Maman

Seen it?

2021 | 72 min | Drama, Fantasy

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for fantasy fans. If you loved Big Fish, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Emotional (bring tissues).
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 12 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG: a parent's death or loss. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

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 with this mysterious new friend, Nelly embarks on a fantastical journey of discovery which helps her come to terms with this newfound loss.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 93 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.1 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 1 BAFTA, 1 Berlin award and 1 Independent Spirit Award.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $1 million worldwide on a $3 million budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 48K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Céline Sciamma

  • Joséphine SanzNelly
  • Gabrielle SanzMarion
  • Nina MeurisseMother
  • Stéphane VarupenneFather
  • Margot AbascalGrandmother
  • Florès CardoDame maison de retraite
  • Josée SchullerDame maison de retraite
  • Guylène PéanDame maison de retraite