Auntie Danielle

Old Danielle lives in the house left by her husband, tormenting her housekeeper. When the woman dies in an accident her nephew takes her into his home in Paris. Danielle does exactly the same there: systematically wrecking the family, frightening the children, fouling the house, and enjoying every minute of it. Etienne Chatiliez directed. Tsilla Chelton plays Danielle. The film's nerve is never trying to make the old woman likeable. Danielle does not suffer, does not fear being alone and feels no remorse; she carries cruelty as a temperament. It caused argument in France for attacking the established narrative about old age and family sacrifice, and was a large box office success. The humour is merciless: while laughing at what Danielle does, the audience has to keep asking who they are laughing at. Chelton's performance carries the whole film and made her a figure in France. Who it is for: viewers who like black humour and French social satire. Who it is not for: anyone expecting healing or reconciliation; the film offers no softening.