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Nana is a French drama film directed by Valérie Massadian. It follows the life of a young woman named Nana (played by Kelyna Lecomte) who lives with her mother (played by Alain Françon) in a remote and desolate rural area. The story explores themes of poverty, isolation, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.

The film begins with Nana foraging for food in the woods, and we quickly see that she and her mother live a very self-sufficient and isolated lifestyle. Nana spends her days helping her mother with chores around the house and caring for their animals. Despite their difficult circumstances, Nana is a curious and imaginative child who finds joy in the small things.

As the story progresses, we see Nana begin to explore the world beyond her home. She befriends a boy named Léo (played by Léo Poulet) who lives nearby, and they spend their days playing in the woods and swimming in the nearby river. Nana also discovers a hidden underground bunker in the woods and begins to use it as her own private hideaway.

The relationship between Nana and her mother is a central theme in the film. Nana's mother is strict and stern with her daughter, often criticizing her and refusing to show her any affection. Despite this, Nana remains fiercely loyal to her mother, and we see her trying to win her mother's approval throughout the film.

As Nana begins to explore the world beyond her home, she begins to see a different side of her mother. We learn that Nana's mother has a tragic past and is struggling to cope with her own emotional pain. As Nana becomes more aware of her mother's struggles, she begins to navigate their relationship in a more complex and nuanced way.

Throughout the film, we also see Nana confront issues of poverty and class. She becomes aware of the stark disparities between her own life and the lives of the wealthy tourists who visit the area. In one particularly moving scene, Nana watches a family on a beach picnic from a distance, longing for a taste of their food.

Despite the heavy themes and slow pace of the film, Nana is a stunning visual experience. The cinematography captures the beauty of the French countryside, and the attention to detail in every shot is exquisite. The film is almost entirely devoid of dialogue, relying on visual cues and sound design to tell the story. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the viewer into Nana's world.

One of the most impressive aspects of Nana is the performance of Kelyna Lecomte in the title role. Lecomte, who was only six years old at the time of filming, delivers a remarkable performance that is both poignant and full of wonder. She captures the complex emotions of a child navigating a difficult world with remarkable sensitivity.

In conclusion, Nana is a powerful, visually stunning film that offers a unique perspective on poverty, isolation, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to take the journey with Nana will be rewarded with a moving and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Nana is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes.