Watch Nelly's Adventure

Nelly's Adventure is a charming family film from 2016 that follows the titular character, a young girl with a wild imagination, on a journey of self-discovery and courage. Directed by Dominik Wessely, the film stars Flora Li Thiemann as Nelly, a curious and adventurous 12-year-old who lives with her father Armin (Kai Lentrodt) in a small German village. When her mother dies unexpectedly, Nelly is forced to confront her grief and come to terms with the sudden changes in her life.

Despite her father's efforts to protect her, Nelly begins to withdraw into her own world of make-believe, where she dreams of being an explorer and artist like her hero, the famous adventurer Gertrude Bell. Inspired by Bell's travels through the Middle East and Asia, Nelly embarks on her own adventure, determined to find a lost treasure that she believes will bring her family together and heal her broken heart.

Along the way, Nelly meets a cast of colorful characters, including a mysterious man who may hold the key to her quest, a nosy neighbor who wants to expose her lies, and a kind-hearted artist who helps her embrace her creativity. With each new encounter, Nelly learns more about herself and the world around her, coming to understand that true adventure is not just about exotic locales and daring feats, but about facing your fears and taking risks.

One of the film's strengths is its beautiful cinematography, which captures the lush green landscapes of Germany and the stark beauty of the desert. The use of light and shadow is particularly effective in conveying the mood and tone of the story, from the bright and playful scenes of Nelly's imagination to the darker moments of grief and uncertainty.

At its core, Nelly's Adventure is a coming-of-age story about a young girl learning to navigate the complexities of life and find her place in the world. Throughout the film, Nelly faces a range of challenges, from bullies at school to the loss of her mother, but she never gives up or loses her sense of wonder and curiosity. Her resilience and determination are an inspiration, and her journey serves as a reminder that even when life is hard, there is always room for hope and joy.

Flora Li Thiemann delivers a strong performance as Nelly, capturing the character's youthful enthusiasm and vulnerability with nuance and authenticity. Julia Richter is equally impressive as Nelly's neighbor Mrs. Arpel, providing a delightful dose of comic relief as the nosy busybody who is always sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. And Kai Lentrodt brings a quiet strength and sensitivity to the role of Armin, who is struggling to raise his daughter on his own while dealing with his own grief.

Overall, Nelly's Adventure is a heartwarming and engaging film that is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages. Its message of perseverance, creativity, and the power of imagination is universal and timeless, and its beautiful visuals and charming performances make it a must-see for anyone looking for a delightful family-friendly movie. So grab some popcorn and get ready for an adventure you won't soon forget!