The twins put us in a trance in Petite Maman

By DarkSkyLady

Petite Maman is Portrait of a Lady on Fire’s director, Céline Sciamma’s latest film. Although shorter than her previous film, Sciamma injects wonder and nostalgia in its brief 70-minute runtime. Petite Maman weaves a seamless spell that renders the improbable possible, thanks to the performances by twin sisters, Joséphine & Gabrielle Sanz. 

The film follows Nelly (Joséphine Sanz), whose grandmother recently passed away, as she helps her parents pack up her mom’s childhood home. While in the woods, she meets Marion (Gabrielle Sanz), similar in age and appearance. As they become friends and spend time together the past and present collide. 

The film is a journey to and fro between the family’s generations. There’s a shared sadness between Nelly and her mom (Nina Meurisse) as they mourn the loss of their grandmother and mother, respectively. Nelly was close to her grandmother, evidenced by her desire to hold on to her grandmother’s cane. Nelly and her mom are also close. It’s shown through quiet conversations, and soft embraces. But the story becomes more than a process for grief and takes us somewhere we’ve never been but long to go. 

Joséphine Sanz and Gabrielle Sanz give amazing performances. They display the emotions and, even more, show similar personalities while also remaining distinct. They exhibit the laidback quality of you. They smile. They have fun and all regardless of the mystery unfolding. They don’t freak out but take life, and its secrets, as they come. There is no dramatic revelation. Instead, the reveal is gradual and soft, much like the cinematography and acting. 

Children and adults can both find moments to love in Petite Maman because there’s an innocence that children will connect with and adults will remember. Petite Maman is the joy of new friends, the pang of loss, the enchantment of possibilities, and a quaint hut in the woods. Céline Sciamma delivers a captivating tale, the serenity of which lingers in the spirit.