20 Best Films Of 2021

Céline Sciamma made the unexpected decision to follow up her massively acclaimed queer romantic drama Portrait of a Lady on Fire with something completely different - a low-key, 72-minute family drama that's served up with a healthy dollop of magical realism.

Though you're better off not knowing the particulars of the inspired premise, Petite Maman involves a young girl (Joséphine Sanz) coping with the death of her grandmother in a most unique and unexpected way.

Boiling its fantastical concept down to the emotional basics, this is a sly and bewilderingly subtle film that's far more interested in family dynamics and the joy of childhood than it is tying itself up in metaphysical knots.

A warm cup of cocoa in movie form, providing both emotional salve and food-for-thought.