Cuties

The film follows Amy, a young Senegalese girl living in a poor neighborhood in Paris. She becomes fascinated by a group of twerking dancers and joins their group to escape her restrictive family life. As she navigates this new world, she grapples with themes of tradition, modernity, and female empowerment, all while trying to maintain her innocence.

Cuties garnered significant attention and controversy upon its release, primarily due to its marketing and the perceived sexualization of its young cast. Critically, the film received mixed reviews. While many praised Doucouré's direction, the performances of the young actresses, and its exploration of complex themes, others criticized the film's narrative and its handling of sensitive subject matter.

• Praised for its bold and timely exploration of cultural clashes and female adolescence.

• Lauded for the authentic performances of its young, non-professional cast.

• Criticized by some for its provocative themes and handling of sexualization, despite directorial intent.

Google audience: Google users' reviews are divided, with some appreciating the film's artistic merit and its tackling of difficult subjects, while others express discomfort with the portrayal of young girls and find the plot to be controversial.

Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival (2020), nominated for César Award for Best First Feature Film (2021).

Director Maimouna Doucouré initially intended to make a documentary about young girls twerking but shifted to a fictional narrative when she felt she could better explore the themes through a dramatized story.