Laughter rings through a child’s makeshift treehouse. This is young Louise’s (Penelope Marie) labour of love, and together with her friend Sam they straddle streams in a damp French forest, working on the treehouse through the day until dark. When Louise returns home, her happiness quickly evaporates, as it becomes apparent she has a strained relationship with elder brother Matthieu.
Director Anne Thorens charts Louise’s range of quick-turning emotions with close-ups showcasing all of star Marie’s skills, including a look of haunting betrayal as Louise realises that Sam has ditched her to spend time with Matthieu. Munchkin excels at capturing aggression, particularly the lashing out without processing emotions that can often define childhood.
This makes for a film that builds tension. Culminating in a scorching denouement as cinematographer Fanny Reynaud creates a richness of texture better than most features. Munchkin is an assured work from all involved.
Thank you so much for the review — I just read it, and it truly warms my heart after all the work we put into making a film that’s both sensory and powerful. Thanks again for the review!