Cannes 2025: The Little Sister, The Wave | Festivals & Awards | Roger Ebert
Briefly

"The Little Sister," directed by Hafsia Herzi, follows Fatima, a young Algerian Muslim woman, as she transitions from high school to college in Paris while uncovering her sexuality. Based on Fatima Daas’ novel, the narrative captures Fatima's challenges amidst her traditional upbringing, her encounters with societal expectations, and her exploration of love through dating apps. Her relationship with Ji-Na, a woman who deals with her own issues, adds depth to Fatima's self-discovery. The film navigates the complexities of balancing faith and personal identity without suggesting a complete rejection of either.
Fatima realizes that she likes women, a revelation that challenges her identity as a devout Muslim from a large, traditional Algerian family. The film explores her struggle to reconcile these parts of herself.
At the beginning, when studying for her baccalaureate, a young man proposes marriage and suggests starting a family, showcasing the patriarchal expectations Fatima faces.
Fatima takes to dating apps to meet women, providing her insight into her identity and desires, particularly through her connection with Ji-Na.
The film avoids a simplistic narrative of liberation, instead showing Fatima seeking understanding with a cleric about her faith and identity.
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