Les Petites Vacances review

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A superb performance from veteran New Wave actress Bernadette Lafont anchors this absorbing road movie from debut French writer/director Olivier Peyon. Sixty-something ex-teacher Danielle takes her two grandchildren (Adèle Csech and Lucas Franchi) on an impromptu summer holiday in the Haute-Savoie region. Why, though, is she so reluctant to tell the kids’ divorced parents of their itinerary?

From the opening shot, an air of unease hovers over the film, despite its picturesque locations. Peyon also delves beneath Danielle’s cheerful facade to reveal an emotionally fragile woman, scared she no longer has a purpose in life.

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