Petite Maman centers on a girl named Nelly who’s recently experienced the death of her grandmother and is assisting her parents in clearing out her mother's childhood home. During this process, she discovers the house and the nearby woods. She then encounters another girl, Marion, around the same age, constructing a treehouse, and they form a friendship filled with various activities. As their connection deepens, Nelly comes to understand that Marion is actually her mother, having journeyed from the past to be near her. This revelation surprises them both, and the film examines themes of family, grief, and companionship through their shared playtime. The actors portraying the children happen to be twins, and they demonstrate a remarkable rapport onscreen. Their performances feel remarkably genuine and convincing; their conversations frequently appear spontaneous, and their combined scenes stand out as highlights of the movie. The concept of time travel is presented with such understated subtlety that it’s nearly imperceptible. There aren't any special effects or elaborate displays; instead, there are just a few minor, ordinary details that seem slightly off. This approach enhances the story's credibility and keeps the emphasis on the bond between Nelly and Marion. My primary reservation about Petite Maman concerns its rhythm. The initial portion feels somewhat slow and unfocused, which occasionally made it challenging to maintain my engagement. Nevertheless, the latter half is considerably stronger, with the final scenes being especially poignant and impactful. Ultimately, Petite Maman proves to be a touching and insightful film featuring excellent performances from its two young actors.

Source on TMDB