Alain Gagnol promises a coming-of-age story where the adults, far from being glorified, will be depicted through the lens of all their doubts and weaknesses. “The story recounts how, through sheer willpower and ingenuity, two children accomplish more than the adults, who are caught up in the worries
Alain Gagnol promises a coming-of-age story where the adults, far from being glorified, will be depicted through the lens of all their doubts and weaknesses. “The story recounts how, through sheer willpower and ingenuity, two children accomplish more than the adults, who are caught up in the worries of everyday life. The children are still young enough to be naive. That drives them to take reckless risks and to attempt the impossible.” Certainly no sucker, little Nina fully understands the professional and social injustice that has befallen her unemployed father. She will fight for him, whatever the cost.And what about the titular hedgehog? Well, he’s the hero of the stories that Nina’s dad tells her. This imaginary friend who accompanies her everywhere in her thoughts will also pop up in the story in a more direct way. For the directors, “The juxtaposition of the real hedgehog and his imaginary doppelganger in the same story reflects the way in which the little girl’s imagination transforms her daily life. The hedgehog from the stories, the one that accompanies and talks to her, pops up whenever she needs him, whenever reality becomes so harsh that a little stroll around her childish side gives her a brief respite.”
