Is “Child of the Desert” a Hit? Viewers React to French Director’s New Animal Tale!

Already celebrated for his works like “Mia and the White Lion,” “The Wolf and the Lion,” “The Last Jaguar,” and last year’s “Moon the Panda,” French filmmaker Gilles de Maistre is back. His latest feature film, “The Desert Child,” is inspired by the novel “Hadara, the Ostrich Child” by Swedish journalist Monica Zak, which is itself based on a true story. The cast features Neige de Maistre, the director’s daughter, alongside Zayn Sekkat, Nahel Tran, and Kev Adams.

Sun, a 14-year-old, has published a book inspired by a story her grandfather used to tell her: the incredible tale of Hadara, a nomadic child lost by his family at the age of 2 during a sandstorm in the desert, who was then adopted and raised by a pair of ostriches. But when Sun is invited to visit the Sahara, she realizes that Hadara’s story might be more than just a bedtime tale.

What do viewers think of this animal-themed tale based on a true story? On AlloCiné, the film currently holds an average rating of 3.8 out of 5, based on 68 ratings and 52 reviews.

A Moving Film for All Ages

Audiences have praised the stunning visuals and rich storytelling of Gilles de Maistre’s new film. Accessible to both children and adults, the movie is seen as a poetic and moving work that has clearly resonated and won over viewers.

Arbalinette (5/5): “I saw The Desert Child at a premiere in late March and was truly moved. It might be the most beautiful film by Neige and Gilles de Maistre. The performances of the three children are incredible, with a special fondness for Hadara at 2 years old. The emotions are very real throughout the film, even in scenes with the ostriches, which was not a given. A beautiful cinematic experience for both young and old. P.S.: Remember to bring a tissue.“

Monique Porchet (5/5): “A film of great sensitivity and depth. It’s superb and does a lot of good in this troubled world. Thank you for this marvel!“

F_bunel (5/5): “A superb story in a masterful setting with breathtaking landscapes. The sources of this true story have been particularly well researched. The poetry is there to enchant the viewer.“

Bernard Wuthrich (4.5/5): “The film is a splendid achievement on all fronts. On a human level first, as it resets the clock in a way. It reminds us that in our ultra-digital society, where we communicate via so-called social networks but don’t greet our next-door neighbors, humanity should be put at the forefront, in its complexity but also in its true environment, in the world that has seen it born and live. (…) On an aesthetic level, next. The image is consistently beautiful. Sure, the desert is photogenic, but one must capture all its nuances to make it pulse on the screen—the real, big screen! The frequent use of drones is a pure aesthetic success and makes one realize how much this new tool has revolutionized the art of filmmaking, just as the Steadicam did in the 1980s. Lastly, this film is made for everyone from 5 to 555 years old. It’s a wonderful moment to spend with family, young and old in the same wonder. A gem not to be missed.“

Mathieu Ljz (4/5): “As the film says: ‘It’s often said that tales aren’t there to put children to sleep but to awaken adults.’ It’s a beautiful story that speaks of family, history, and the desert. A film worth watching!“

When the Narration Overwhelms the Story

Some viewers have criticized the film for being overly didactic and descriptive, highlighted by a voiceover considered intrusive.

Shawn777 from the Club AlloCiné (2/5): “Thankfully, dialogue isn’t central to the narrative, if you ignore those annoying voiceover interventions. The real interest, of course, is following this kid interacting with the animals, and from this perspective, the film does quite well. The staging is flat, and it often feels more like watching a nature documentary, but the film manages to produce a few rare touching moments. And above all, it’s incredible to see real wild animals interacting with a child, which makes the whole more authentic. In short, The Desert Child isn’t a bad film, but it remains quite laborious on many levels.“

Christophe Crouzet (0.5/5): “Very boring movie. I strongly discourage it for both adults and children. This true story is very poorly told.”

In Summary

Audiences have been universally captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara and the emotional power of the film. However, some viewers have lamented a plot that is sometimes overly simplistic, occasionally veering into the naivety of a children’s fairy tale.

The Desert Child is currently in cinemas.

AlloCiné is your daily source for over 40 articles about the latest in movies and series, including interviews, streaming recommendations, quirky anecdotes, and cinephile insights on your favorite films and series. Subscribe to AlloCiné on Google Discover to explore the daily treasures of a site created by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.