“BAWK”

Story: Linda and her mother Paulette live in a flat in a small French town. Things are good, until a misunderstanding – and a mischievous kitty – cause the two to be at odds. When mom realizes her error, she’ll do anything to make it up to her daughter. Including cooking something Linda is aching for; chicken with peppers, a dish her dearly departed dad cooked for her before he passed years ago. What could go wrong? Paulette doesn’t really know how to cook, their kitchen doesn’t have any chicken at hand, and a general strike in France has just shut everything down…no problems here!

Genre I’d put it in: Whimsical Slice of Life Animation
Release Date: 2023 (France) 2024 (USA)
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Delightfully original!

Gotta say: I was never a fan of Amélie. Too twee, too specifically cutesy, and much too cheerful for my cold, dead heart. What can I say, I’m more a Gaspar Noé kinda gal. However. Linda is a lighthearted film that digs into deeper issues, wrapped in a comedy of errors, and it’s lively, thoughtful story captured my heart.

Before I dig in, one thing; as you might have sussed out with my dual-title header? This is a French language film, with English subtitles. But get over your fear of the subs and dig in anyway. Because Linda is enjoyable for all ages. Adults will love the gorgeous, surrealistic imagery, and the subplots that grownups will empathize with. Kids will love the antics, the believable young characters they can understand, and the gorgeous colors that wash everything in just the right amount of whimsy. I myself swooned over the amazing talent the artists show in this film, from the “scratch art” evening backgrounds, to the fun shorthand of using unique solid colors for each character, and animal. (Oh okay; Linda and Paulette’s kitty Gazza is solidly purple, but has a teeny pink bum. Anyone who loves cats will enjoy that, and kids will like it because, well? BUTT.)

This fast-paced comedy of errors story delves into deeper subjects, like the loss of a parent, memory, grief, and the French labor system. Who’d think you’d get a bit of politics, economics, and psychology in such a sweet story? Oh, and did I mention Linda has songs too? There are just a handful – not really a musical as such – but a few have lyrics adults will nod along with. My favorite is “Les bonbons d’Astrid“, “a song about how Paulette’s sister Astrid eats her feelings of frustration, rather than “popping [her sister] on the head”. The Busby Berkeley-esque patterns of candy, and the way Astrid – with the children of the neighborhood dancing along to the tune – is surrealistic and subversive.

As you’ve probably figured out by now, Linda is about more than just getting dinner on the table. In fact, there are so many subplots here, it’s hard to list them all. So I won’t. Instead? I’ll let you discover them for yourself. Not every mini-story is wrapped up here, but all end on a note of positivity, letting you know that all will be well (and maybe even better than when things started) when the credits roll. Vive la France!

#Protip: You might want to have some munchies on hand, because you’ll be hungry as this film rolls along. Candy, watermelon, and, of course, chicken (if you dig it) are highly recommended. And for the grownups? May I suggest a hearty burgundy?