Dalva

The subject matter of the film is surely the most horrendous type of abuse, yet it's filmed in such a way that there is no excess, no unnecessary musical cues to break our hearts, sentimentality, or overly dramatised scenes.

It's a film stripped bare of non-essentials, which gives it a kind of peaceful quality. The film is almost entirely carried by Zelda Samson, as Dalva, and she does it to perfection. Again, nothing to excess -no over-acting- the subject is dramatic enough on its own.

I found it disturbing, upsetting, but totally hypnotic, watching this young child discover what it's like to be a child, to have friends, and learn that what happened TO her wasn't her fault.

Emmanuelle Nicot has certainly made an impact with her first film. I hope she continues in this way, and she'll surely have a wonderful career ahead. The same goes for her young star, Zelda Samson.

Congratulations to all involved!