Cuties (Mignonnes). Dir. Maïmouna Dourcouré and Denny Shoopman. Bien Ou Bien Productions, 2020. Netflix. 96 minutes.
For plot summary and other details: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9196192/
Language: French, Wolof, Arabic
Subtitles: Available in English
Setting: 2020, France
Remarks: Controversial because of its realistic depiction of young girls navigating their femininity, this film exposes the ease with which social media preys on the vulnerable. The 11-year-old dancers seek virtual “likes” because they believe those “likes” correspond to real likeability. They have yet to discover the timeless value of authenticity. Nevertheless, they know their behavior is frowned upon. In a heartbreaking scene, Angelica admits that her parents think she is a bad child, and Amy begins to see that she is on a dangerous path. Ultimately, Amy breaks from the group, embracing a self that is entirely her own.
Keywords: belonging, femininity, girlhood, immigration, social media
See also: Tomboy