À pas de loup (2012)
Directed by Olivier Ringer

Film Review

A pas de loup (a.k.a. On the Sly) offers a captivating child's eye view of life that could hardly be further from the computer-generated fantasies which make up the bulk of children's entertainment these days.  In a similar vein to Luc Jacquet's beguiling Le Renard et l'enfant (2007), the film is a charmingly unpretentious piece (suitable for both children and adults) that follows a sweet little girl as she discovers the marvels (and dangers) of the natural world.  The film is imaginatively directed by Olivier Ringer, whose previous work includes the modest family drama Pom, le poulain (2006) and France's most popular satirical series, Les Guignols de l'info.

Bravely, Ringer cast his own daughter Wynona in the part of the little girl, an admirable choice as the young actress has no difficulty holding our attention and evinces a genuine sense of wonder at what she discovers in the country.  Ringer's decision to relegate Cathy's parents to the status of barely glimpsed silhouettes seems a little perverse, though - surely this is not how children see their parents? - and the continual voiceover narration by the girl soon becomes a tad monotonous.  However, these quibbles aside, A pas de loup is an involving and moving eco-divertissement that effectively combines a child's fairtytale with a pointed but subtle critique of our society.  However depressing it might be, it does us good to be reminded how disconnected we have become from the natural world, and how easy it is to become oblivious to its extraordinary sights, smells and sounds.  For the little ones, the film is every bit as enticing as the cosy manufactured flights of fantasy that are deluged upon them these days - and probably much healthier. Olivier Ringer followed this worthy film with a similiar likeable fable, Les Oiseaux de passage (2015).

Film Synopsis

Cathy is a six-year-old girl who believes that she cannot be seen by her parents.  She has a chance to test her theory at the end of a weekend at the family's country retreat.  Just as her parents are preparing for the long journey back to the city, Cathy runs away and starts to explore the countryside around her.  She discovers a whole new world of wonders she could not have imagined, including strange creatures that look like something out of a fairytale.  Blissfully unaware that her parents are going mad with worry over her disappearance, Cathy embarks on a magical adventure...