Celine Sciamma's (Waterlillies) second feature film, Tomboy is a
beautiful and heart-warming tale about a 10-year-old girl called
Laure who spends the summer as Mikael, a boy. The film deals
with gender identity eloquently, propelled by its enigmatic lead
played exquisitely by the tender Zoe Heran.
This sensitive portrait of childhood and innocence effortlessly
combines the young actors' natural performances with a simplistic
storyline, creating a narrative both adults and children will
relate too. The scenes between Laure and Lisa, played by
Jeanne Disson, perfectly capture the joys of childhood first
crushes, despite Laure's ruse as a boy. It is this
relationship which also raises questions about adolescent
sexuality, never quite giving a clue as to what the future
holds.
The feminine, tutu-wearing younger sister Jeanne (Malonn Levana)
delivers a charismatic performance that will melt your heart,
whilst her unconditional love of Laure will conjure feelings of
nostalgia for those who grew up with an older sibling that they
couldn't bear to be parted from. Sciamma captures the family
unit with naturalism and the sunny exteriors of suburban Paris are
idyllic. It is without a doubt that TOMBOY is one of the most
unique films of 2011, and one, not to be missed.
TOMBOY is on general release now. For cinema listings,
please click here
