The Hedgehog

In her lavish Parisian home, 11-year-old Paloma navigates her life filled with sadness and introspection. She observes the despair surrounding her, particularly within her family, which gives her a deep understanding of life's darker moments.

Realizing the bleakness that adulthood holds, Paloma makes the striking decision to end her life just before her 12th birthday. With only 165 days left, she contemplates her impending fate, reflecting her profound sadness and feelings of hopelessness.

Paloma starts to document her surroundings using her father's vintage camera, which becomes her tool for storytelling. Through her lens, she captures the struggles of her mother, the brooding nature of her sister, and the inadequacy of the dinner guests who frequent their home.

At the same time, Mrs. Michel, the building's concierge, manages the complex dynamics within the residence. With a composed exterior, she hides her genuine passion for literature from her employers, hinting at a deeper character beneath the surface.

Mrs. Michel captures the attention of Mr. Ozu, a kind-hearted widower from Japan. Their connection grows as he appreciates her grace and hidden intellect, establishing a subtle yet impactful bond between them.

As Paloma witnesses the evolving relationship between Mrs. Michel and Mr. Ozu, she begins to perceive the beauty in human connections. This new perspective causes her to reevaluate her previous outlook on life, which was colored by despair.

Through her introspections and observations, Paloma starts recognizing the hidden beauty in the everyday moments she once overlooked. This awakening is sparked by the interactions she sees unfold in her immediate world.

Paloma's insights begin to affect her relationships with her family. As she observes her mother's reliance on medication and her sister's broodiness, she starts to understand their struggles, leading to a shift in how she interacts with them.

As Paloma interacts more with Mrs. Michel, she finds comfort in their conversations. Mrs. Michel's warmth and wit open Paloma's eyes to the richness of human experience, contrasting her earlier bleak views.

Transfixed by the unfolding connections around her, Paloma's decision to end her life starts to waver. She begins to understand that life holds more possibilities and beauty than she initially acknowledged.

With each new day, Paloma starts embracing the changes in her perceptions and emotions. The once somber girl begins to acknowledge the joys and complexities of life, illuminating a path forward.

Paloma embarks on a personal journey of transformation, inspired by the relationships she witnesses. This journey signifies a pivotal moment, where she learns to appreciate human connections and the beauty of life.

The unfolding story captures the essence of Paloma’s struggles, growth, and self-discovery. Through her lens, the film paints a poignant narrative about the intricacies of life and the value of connecting with others.

As the story progresses, Paloma reconciles with her initial thoughts of despair and accepts that life is filled with both challenges and wonder. This acceptance reflects her maturation and a newfound sense of hope.

Towards the conclusion, Paloma gazes into the future, now filled with expectations and possibilities rather than darkness. This shift underscores the film's theme of resilience and the beauty of human connections.