Petite Maman

Petite Maman

Year: 2021

Runtime: 72 min

Language: French

Director: Céline Sciamma

Drama

Following her mother’s sudden breakdown, eight-year-old Nelly is brought to her mother’s childhood home in the countryside. There, she discovers a surprising connection with a young girl living next door. As they explore the woods and Nelly learns more about her mother’s past, an unexpected friendship blossoms, offering comfort and understanding during a difficult time. The film tenderly portrays childhood, memory, and the power of human connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Petite Maman (2021)

Trace every key event in Petite Maman (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nelly's Loss

Eight-year-old Nelly grapples with the recent loss of her grandmother, who succumbed to a hereditary disease. As she bids farewell to the residents of the care home, she feels a deep sense of unease for not having properly said goodbye.

Care Home
2

Clearing Out the Room

Nelly's parents, Marion and Stéphane, begin the difficult task of clearing out her grandmother's room. This bittersweet moment is underscored by Nelly's lingering feelings of grief and her need for closure.

Grandmother's Room
3

Journey to Childhood Home

The family travels to Marion's childhood residence, where they will continue to sort through the past. Upon arriving late, Marion tucks Nelly into her old bed, but the atmosphere is heavy with grief.

Childhood Home
4

Marion's Grief

The next morning, Marion is overwhelmed by her loss, leading to tension with her husband, Stéphane. The emotional strain is palpable, as their long-standing relationship is tested by the surrounding sorrow.

Childhood Home
5

Midnight Awakening

That night, Nelly finds her mother sleeping alone on the sofa, deeply affected by her grief. This moment highlights Marion's struggle, as she leaves quietly in the morning without saying goodbye, leaving Nelly feeling abandoned.

Childhood Home
6

Meeting New Marion

In search of solace, Nelly wanders into the woods and encounters another girl named Marion. This new friend is building a cabin from branches and invites Nelly to join her, providing a brief escape from her sadness.

Woods
7

Revelation of Shared Loss

As Nelly and the new Marion dry off from the rain, Nelly learns that Marion's grandmother has also recently passed away. The shared sadness creates an instant bond between the two girls, deepening their connection.

New Marion's House
8

Uncovering Memories

Nelly finds herself in the woods again, observing her mother as a young girl. They work together on the cabin, and through their interaction, Nelly learns about Marion’s upcoming operation, meant to prevent the same illness that took her grandmother.

Woods
9

Truth Revealed

The night before Marion's operation, Nelly confides her true identity, claiming to be her daughter from the future. This revelation leads to an emotionally charged discussion about love and loss, which is abruptly interrupted as Stéphane returns.

Cabin
10

Marion's Birthday Celebration

During a poignant sleepover to celebrate Marion's ninth birthday, the three generations come together. Nelly reassures her mother about the upcoming surgery, addressing the emotional burden that looms over them.

Childhood Home
11

Pre-Surgery Exchange

The following day before Marion goes to the hospital, Nelly expresses concern over her mother's sadness. In a heartfelt moment, Marion reassures Nelly that her feelings of guilt are unfounded, strengthening their connection.

Near Reservoir
12

Final Visit

Returning to her grandmother’s house, Nelly is surprised to find the new Marion waiting for her. In a moment filled with understanding, they embrace and share a deeply emotional connection, reinforcing their intertwined destinies.

Grandmother's House
13

Enduring Love

The closing moments showcase the enduring bond between Nelly and Marion. Their heartfelt relationship transcends time, highlighting the importance of love across generations amidst the backdrop of loss.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:04

Unlock the Full Story of Petite Maman

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Petite Maman Summary

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Petite Maman Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Petite Maman

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Petite Maman

Petite Maman Ending Explained

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Petite Maman Ending Explained

More About Petite Maman

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