Small World
Small World

Small World

2010Movie93 minFrench

Conrad Lang, a handyman in a rich family - he has been raised like a brother with Thomas, who has the same age -, accidentally puts fire to the big holiday house he keeps. He returns to the town he grew up in, to the family home, where Philippe, Thomas's son, and Simone are getting married. Conrad's frequent memory loss and behavioural problems rapidly reveal a neurological disease (Alzheimer's is suggested by doctor Cohen when he examens Elvira) which leads Elvira, Thomas's stepmother, to install Conrad in a guesthouse on the property, with the help of a nurse. When Conrad looses more and more his landmarks in present and past, memories of his youth come back to surface. They intrigue Simone, since these memories do not entirely fit together with the official family history...

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IMDb6.2/10
Director: Bruno ChicheGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A reclusive and elderly writer, Georges, is diagnosed with a serious illness and decides to confront his past. He seeks out his estranged daughter, Marie, whom he hasn't seen in years, hoping to reconcile. Their reunion is complicated by Georges' failing health and the lingering resentment from their past. Together, they embark on a journey to revisit significant places from their shared history, attempting to mend their broken relationship before it's too late.

Critical Reception

Small World received mixed to positive reviews. Critics often praised the performances of the lead actors, particularly Gérard Jugnot and Léa Seydoux, and the emotional depth of the film's exploration of family relationships and regret. However, some found the pacing slow and the narrative somewhat predictable. Audiences generally responded well to the film's poignant themes and character development.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for strong performances, especially from Gérard Jugnot and Léa Seydoux.
  • The film's exploration of father-daughter relationships and regret was seen as moving.
  • Some critics found the plot to be predictable and the pacing to be too slow.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Small World were generally positive, with many viewers appreciating the emotional resonance of the story and the compelling performances. The film's focus on themes of reconciliation and the complexities of family dynamics resonated with audiences who found it to be a touching and thought-provoking drama.

Fun Fact

Léa Seydoux, who plays the estranged daughter, also starred in Woody Allen's 'Midnight in Paris' and 'Blue Is the Warmest Color' around the same period, showcasing her rising international profile.

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