The Hedgehog 2011

In the lavish Parisian home that she shares with her family, 11-year-old Paloma (exuding a palpable sense of sadness) quietly maneuvers through her life, her introspective demeanor enabling her to absorb the pervasive despair surrounding her. Possessing an uncanny ability to foresee the dreariness that awaits in adulthood, she makes the poignant decision to end her life just shy of her 12th birthday—only 165 days remain. Through her father’s vintage camera, Paloma catalogs the intricacies of her world: her mother, reliant on antidepressants; her sister, engulfed in brooding; and the pretentious dinner guests who populate their home.

At the same time, Mrs. Michel, the composed yet affectionate concierge, looks over the building wherein Paloma’s family resides. This seemingly mysterious character, whose deep love for literature stays concealed from her rigid employers, unexpectedly draws the attention of Mr. Ozu (a widowed Japanese gentleman). He recognizes her grace and intellect, revealing an unspoken bond between them. As these three individuals with shared sensitivities connect, Paloma begins to see life’s hidden beauty that she had previously disregarded, inspiring her to reconsider the trajectory she initially set for herself.

Through this enchanting journey, a transformation unfolds, leading Paloma not only to discover herself but also to appreciate the richness of human connections—creating a heartfelt narrative that resonates profoundly with the struggles and revelations of life.