My Life as a Zucchini (2017)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  8 / 10

  My Life As A Courgette is a delicate mature drama disguised as a child-friendly animation. Sure, children can watch this and be entertained by the cutesy animation. Just do not, I repeat, do not go into this thinking it has no substance. The first five minutes happen and I immediately said "well...we're going there are we?". Hit me like a tonne of bricks falling on my face. Essentially we follow a group of young children in a foster home as they create close bonds between them and learn to mature into adulthood. A coming-of-age drama at its most subtle, and it is with this subtlety that elevates this into a melancholic intimate experience. Child abuse, neglect, loneliness, sorrow and love. All these themes are explored through the perspective of children, and it is rather sad to watch. Witnessing these characters come to terms with their past was inspiring. No matter what obstacles life throws in your way, you can always move onwards and upwards. An outstandingly meaty narrative despite the tiny runtime of just 67 minutes. However it's not all doom and gloom. This feature will evoke happiness and bring a loving smile to your face by the end. Like I said, the subtle manner in which it addresses important issues like child abuse is what gives this film life. The colourful stop-motion animation (which I absolutely adored) and bountiful subplots are just ripples in what is a sensitive puddle. The balance between melodrama, family friendliness and humour was perfect, couldn't fault it. The small idiosyncrasies to each character gave them more personality, which I admired. I personally would've liked a longer runtime so we could see these characters interact more. Some more internal conflicts and backstory would've definitely enhanced the emotional investment. Though these are slight criticisms to what is a beautifully crafted animated story that more people definitely need to watch. Support these small films! Cinema needs them. It's just another reason why French cinema keeps on improving...

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