This was really enjoyable. So many movies that revolve around a kid are either simple, or absurd, or both. Felicita is just the opposite, full of deception and the unexpected, while staying very realistic. And although there is enough drama to keep you anxious to see what happens next, the humor sprinkled throughout keeps the viewing fun.

I've only seen about 150 French movies and TV series, and this writer/director and the lead actors were unknown to me. Director Bruno Merle's plot quickly pulls you into the lives of characters that you will care about, seamlessly merges multiple story arcs, and propels you through some twists and turns that will amaze. I was particularly surprised, especially in this genre of Euro-family comedy, by the excellent pacing. An unconventional use of sound struck me as just right for it's intended effect.

Rio Parmai and Camille Rutherford, as parents Tim and Chloe, presented multi-layered characterizations that worked incredibly well. And after watching them, you'll have a real appreciation for acting as the art of lying. Ten-year-old daughter Tommy is portrayed by the director's daughter Rita Merle, who does an acceptable job, although the film does not demand dynamic emoting from her.

And almost everyone will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek ending.

Well worth seeing!

Felicita - a song title from the 80s and the title of this movie. Also having the song in the movie. But while I remember the song being happy go lucky all around, the movie has more drama to it and downsides too. Main focus being the kid - we see and hear many things from her perspective. Many still moments here (pacing wise you will have to have patience),moments even when I thought my sound was off - at least the first time, because there is total silence.

If you don't mind these things and the pacing I mentioned, you are in for a really good movie. Acting is mighty fine and we get to see a dysfunctional family at work (or rather on the road). For me personally there is something missing to push this over the top, but enough people seem to love it, so hopefully you can be one of them -also track down that song from the 80s - once you hear it in the movie, you likely will fall in love with it.

I am a big fan of French movies. French was a second language for me over 30 years ago, so my French has been forgotten. Still, I really like French films. Sadly, this one felt more like a bad Spanish or Indian production. It was listed as comedy, but there was nothing funny about it. As in many Spanish productions, the films state comedy but end up being an angry production. As in many Indian productions, the films go culturally deep and not everyone likes that style. So, mix Spanish and Indian and you get an angry culturally deep mess that feels nothing like French, except for the few quirky qualities it exhibited. Spain has always been a fascist and warring nation. So, their films feel as such. When I turned this on, expecting a French comedy, I was overwhelmed with a projected sorrow and discontentment. This should fall under weird suspence from a psychotic mind.