Nénette

Beautiful in its minimalism, Nénette is no antizoo rant but a melancholy meditation on captivity.

The animal's striking resemblance to a human is part of what makes Nicolas Philibert's documentary Nenette so evocative.

The best part about the movie is the way it shifts focus, starting as an observation of the animal and then subtly morphing to the point of view of Nénette, who passively experiences a jumble of voices that start to run together.

It's a wonderfully moving meditation on the capacity of animals to inspire our imaginations and something applicable to educational markets as well as regular documentary audiences.

A gently moving film that's always thought-provoking if at times a little slow going.

As with all of Philibert's work, Nénette is impeccably composed and admirably disciplined, but his patient observation can't unlock the mysteries of an animal that's grown more introspective and likely less expressive over time.

Our time spent with Nenette feel as stifling and airless as hers.