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The Little Sister

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88% Tomatometer 32 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
When Fatima leaves her close-knit suburban family to study philosophy in Paris, she finds herself caught between her religious upbringing and the freedom of student life in the city.
The Little Sister

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Critics Consensus

The Little Sister is a restrained yet powerful coming-of-age drama, elevated by Nadia Melliti's standout performance and an empathetic directorial touch that makes its familiar themes feel deeply personal.

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Critics Reviews

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Melissa Anderson 4Columns 4d
Often [Nadia Melliti's] untutored acting style felicitously highlights the fragility of Fatima’s butch, tomboyish bravado; at other times, Melliti’s lack of acting experience simply translates as awkward stiffness before the camera. Go to Full Review
Tomris Laffly Elle Jun 10
Where a lesser movie would have milked the conservative Muslim family trope (which this Muslim critic has had enough of), The Little Sister fashions a beautiful mother-daughter scene where unconditional love is deeply felt and packs a universal punch. Go to Full Review
Justin Chang The New Yorker Jun 2
French filmmaker Hafsia Herzi has a sensitive touch with actors. In her warm and absorbing drama “The Little Sister,” she coaxes quietly powerful work from Nadia Melliti as Fatima. Go to Full Review
Luis Martínez El Mundo (Spain) 1d
3/5
Hafsia Herzi crafts a delicate coming-of-age drama from the magnetism and silence of debutante actress Nadia Melliti. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Javier Ocaña El Pais (Spain) 1d
But all of that pales in comparison to the sheer force of [Hafsia Herzi's] message, her boldness, and her truth—which, being her own and delivered so freely, leaves little room for criticism. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Jordi Batlle Caminal Fotogramas 2d
3/5
The Little Sister had all the makings of a run-of-the-mill social commentary film with a built-in message. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
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Movie Info

Synopsis When Fatima leaves her close-knit suburban family to study philosophy in Paris, she finds herself caught between her religious upbringing and the freedom of student life in the city.
Director
Hafsia Herzi
Producer
Julie Billy, Naomi Denamur
Screenwriter
Hafsia Herzi
Distributor
Strand Releasing
Production Co
June Films
Genre
Drama
Original Language
French (France)
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 5, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 48m