Amanda

David ekes out odd jobs in Paris and moves through the city with quiet restraint. He meets Léna, a newcomer who stirs a cautious promise of romance, offering a glimpse of a steadier life. Then tragedy arrives when his sister dies, leaving him to care for his young niece Amanda. The film follows David as he learns to juggle work, parenting, and a budding relationship, all while keeping Amanda safe and cherished. Their first meetings feel tentative, a rhythm of glances and late trains that hints at a possible second chance. The story continues with honesty and attention to small moments that reveal love, duty, and hope, even in the face of loss. Its quiet honesty lingers after each scene.

Directed by Mikhaël Hers, Amanda is adapted from Maud Ameline's work and marks his return to intimate storytelling, focusing on character over spectacle. It premiered at festivals and was released in France in 2018, starring Vincent Lacoste and Isaure Multrier.

Amanda found audiences outside France with its restrained, humane examination of grief. The film's small gestures and everyday kindness became a quiet touchstone for viewers who favor intimate family dramas over loud plot turns. Its portrait of Paris as a patient, supportive backdrop resonates beyond its setting and invites reflection.

Critics praised the film for its naturalistic tone, letting relationships breathe instead of forcing melodrama. Themes of responsibility, memory, and connection surface through ordinary moments, as David negotiates guardianship, love, and his own sense of place in a city that keeps moving. The performances anchor the film with warmth throughout.