Petite Maman: director Céline Sciamma presents the gentlest of fantastic dramas, as her film tells the story of a mother and daughter coping with the death of the grandmother, as they prepare to clean the family’s old house. The story unfurls quietly and surprisingly when the young girl meets a playmate in the woods that surround it, and the result is a magical look at the connection between mother and daughter. The film is centered around the preternaturally great and charming performances of Joséphine Sanz and Gabrielle Sanz as the two friends. Director of photography Claire Mathon captures the action with an elegant camera, which gives it a magical sense. Production designer Lionel Brison doubles up the settings with subtle changes to them.