Small Change

The film opens in Thiers during a hot, lazy summer as Patrick, motherless, begins to notice romantic feelings, especially toward his young teacher. His curiosity about love and desire hints at a coming-of-age arc. Julien's poverty and abusive home life is introduced through glimpses at school and his daily struggles.

Patrick's awakening deepens as he observes interactions that fuel his crushes and curiosity about romance. The narrative uses his perspective to explore identity, attraction, and the complexities of growing up. Small moments with classmates and his teacher set the emotional tone for the summer.

Julien's life at home is marked by physical abuse, which leaves him chronically tired. He cannot stay awake at school after nights without sleep and tries to hide bruises by avoiding gym class. These burdens are felt deeply by Julien even as he navigates childhood with his friends.

The film interweaves the lightness of childhood with the shadows of poverty and abuse. We see life at school, friendships, and small mischief that shape their days. The rhythm of summer in Thiers provides a backdrop for both innocence and struggle.

A toddler and a cat play on an open windowsill and fall down, yet survive unhurt. The moment underscores childhood's precariousness and resilience as a vivid but small danger is navigated in the summer heat.

A girl causes a scene by sounding a bullhorn from an apartment window, creating confusion among the kids. The episode highlights playful chaos and the way small actions ripple through a summer community.

Bruno demonstrates how to chat up girls, revealing the kids' social experiments and early flirtations. The moment blends humor with awkward attempts at romance that mark adolescence during the summer.

A double date at a movie theater becomes a focal point of their social life. The kids navigate nerves, attraction, and the unspoken rules of dating in a playful, innocent way.

A child tells a dirty joke, reflecting the boundary-testing humor that emerges among children. The moment captures the mix of innocence and curiosity that defines the summer.

A botched haircut becomes a small, humorous setback in the kids' summer adventures. It marks a carefree, ironic moment that punctuates their days of exploration.

The story builds to moments of first love and first kisses among the children. These milestones of growing up are depicted with warmth and a touch of awkwardness that defines the summer.

Towards the end, Julien's abuse becomes public knowledge and he is taken away from his family. The revelation brings crisis and change to the community and to Julien's future.

In the final scene, a teacher delivers a powerful message about child abuse, injustice, and the rights of children. The speech emphasizes hope, love, resilience, and that society must protect and value children, even as life remains hard. It frames the film's lessons as a call to action for justice and care.