Petite nature / Softie

The 10-year-old blond Johnny stands out: he seems not to fit in with his tough but at times completely overwhelmed mother, Sonia, nor in the social settlement in north-eastern France where they have recently moved to. The sensitive boy goes through the world with a curious eye and is interested in things far beyond his age. When Jean, a new teacher, takes over Johnny's class, someone finally recognises his potential and begins to encourage him. The boy feels so comfortable with Jean, however, that his affection soon pushes the boundaries of what is permissible. In PETITE NATURE, director Samuel poignantly tells of the complex experiential world of an extraordinarily charismatic child.