Zelly & Me
Zelly & Me

Movie spotlight

Zelly & Me

1988
Movie
87 min
English

A young orphan who lives with her grandmother in a large Virginian home infatuates herself with the voices of Joan d'Arc. Her French nanny seeks out the help of a rich suitor to take her and the orphan away when she realizes that the grandmother cannot offer the orphan the love that she needs.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Director: Christopher AshleyGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A young girl named Zelly is sent to live with her wealthy grandmother and her governess in the opulent countryside of France. As she navigates this unfamiliar and somewhat stifling environment, Zelly forms a deep bond with her governess, discovering a hidden world of magic and imagination. The film explores themes of childhood innocence, the complexities of adult relationships, and the power of escapism.

Critical Reception

Zelly & Me received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who often praised its visual style and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Isabella Rossellini. However, some found the narrative to be somewhat slow-paced or predictable, while others appreciated its gentle exploration of childhood and memory. Audience reception was generally lukewarm, with the film not achieving widespread commercial success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its beautiful cinematography and evocative atmosphere.

  • The performances, especially from Isabella Rossellini, were often highlighted as a strong point.

  • Some critics found the story to be a bit languid or lacking in significant dramatic tension.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'Zelly & Me' is not readily available in a summarized format, making it difficult to ascertain specific audience likes or dislikes.

Fun Fact

Isabella Rossellini's character, Zelly, is inspired by a real-life governess that director Christopher Ashley's mother had as a child.

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