A One Mann’s Movies review of “Perfect Nanny” (2019).
Original French Title: Chanson Douce.
Alternative Title (UK only?): Lullaby.
There have been numerous films about parents hiring Nanny’s who don’t quite come up to OFSTED’s child-protection safeguarding standards. The most famous is probably “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle” from 1992 starring Rebecca de Mornay. What makes “Perfect Nanny” so eerily sinister is that it is based on a true story.
If you watch this, be prepared. Let’s just say, we are not in Mary Poppins territory here.
This is a French language film with subtitles.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
Myriam (Leïla Bekhti) is a lawyer desperate to get back to her work after having young Adam. But she needs someone to look after both Adam and her older daughter Mila (Assya Da Silva). Against the objections of her husband Paul (Antoine Reinartz) they search for their perfect Nanny. And in Louise (Karin Viard), they appear to have found her.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: PG-13. (From the BBFC web site: “Strong threat, bloody images, sexual image”. I’d REALLY question whether this “PG-13” US rating (as shown on IMDB) is correct. Unless the US version – titled “Perfect Nanny” was an extremely redacted version without the full frontal nudity, audio sexual content and ‘bloody images’. US-viewers beware!).
Talent:
Starring: Karin Viard, Leïla Bekhti, Antoine Reinartz, Assya Da Silva.
Directed by: Lucie Borleteau.
Written by: Lucie Borleteau, Jérémie Elkaïm & Maïwenn. (Based on the book by Leïla Slimani).
Practically perfect in every way. Louise (Karin Viard) puts a nice plait in the hair of young Mila (Assya Da Silva). (Source: Distrib Films).
“Perfect Nanny” Review:
Positives:
- Whereas “The Hand That Rocked The Cradle” signposted exactly where it was going, this movie did not. It is a quietly developing film where normality gets invaded in tiny increments. It’s like a frog in a pot of heating water. I’ve seen some IMDB reviews that complained that this was slow and boring. I very much disagree. It piles on its tension in insidious fashion, little by little and (as I had no prior knowledge of the book) gives no clue as to where it might be going.
- The film is clever in getting inside Louise’s head. A scene with octopii is extremely unsettling!
- Karin Viard is chillingly good in the lead role. Does she go a tad OTT in the final scenes? Yes, perhaps, but up to that point it is a really nicely restrained, but spooky, performance.
Negatives:
- This is a very dark film – and absolutely-positively a “Father Ted film“. And I suspect many viewers will regret watching it for the visions that will keep coming to them after the “lights have gone up”, as it were. While I am very surprised at the apparent US PG-13 rating, I’d even question if the BBFC’s “15” certificate is enough for this…. in some ways, this movie is more disturbing that some “18” certificate films I’ve seen, and certainly so for certain audiences where the subject matter might be sensitive.
Summary Thoughts on “Perfect Nanny”
A very dark film indeed, but also a very well-directed film. Sometimes the horrors of life lie in the smallest of details. This is perhaps NOT a film that anyone with kids in any form of child-care should watch.
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Trailer for “Perfect Nanny”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3WgJTY5vVI.
