Tatie Danielle is a black comedy about a widow who is intent on ruining the lives of her great-nephew and his wife. Tsilla Chelton plays the title character, who mourns the death of her husband by tormenting everyone she meets. Eventually, she moves in with her nephew and his vain wife. Soon, her family is at war with Tatie, and takes off for Greece, leaving her in the care of Sandrine (Isabelle Nanty), an au pair who is as equally bitter as Tatie herself. At first the two don't get along, yet the two eventually become friends. However, Sandrine is invited to accompany an American student for an overnight stay at the beach, which would leave Tatie alone for a night. Angered, Tatie fires Sandrine, and while she is alone, she goes into deep depression, eventually setting the family's apartment on fire. The fire becomes a national story, with Tatie cast as a poor old lady and the family labeled as cruel and heartless villains.
Acting
Tsilla Chelton's terrifyingly precise monster-in-lace.
Writing
Dialogue so cruel you'll gasp-laugh.
Direction
Chatiliez balances farce and genuine melancholy.
Director
Étienne Chatiliez
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Tsilla Chelton was 72 during filming and had to be aged UP for the role—her energy was apparently too youthful.
The film sparked debate in France about elder care and family obligation, with some critics calling it exploitative while others praised its honesty about resentment.
FR
