This poetic title adorns a tender film that delicately deals with the issue of having a parent with depression. This difficult topic is addressed in a beautifully sweet story: even though Mum is “as sad as a dry crêpe in bacon fat” (little Jeanne certainly has a way with words!), the film breathes hope and love into the little girl’s everyday life and underlines the normality of the situation.
The superb watercolour sets add another uplifting air thanks in particular to their vibrant colours. In and around the house there are plants everywhere: in the greenhouse, the kitchen and in front of the home. Their significant shadings subtly place emotions at the heart of the story. Blue is the colour of sadness, green the colour of hope… Mum is Pouring Rain is not just about absence but, above all, about the absenteeism of parents who are too preoccupied with their own lives to really pay attention to their daughter – despite her insistence and persistence. No denying it: adults are not always the most reliable people. For Jeanne, the void she feels is filled by sound. And soon joy starts to sneak in.
In this lovely little house in the middle of nowhere, which seems perfectly in sync with its funny and scatty owner, Mémé Oignon, the set is changed completely but with gentle seamlessness. Here nature is everywhere, almost seeming like a magical force as it takes over the house. While Jeanne explores the place and is gradually won over by the charms of her new environment, the story comes together. It turns out that being parachuted into her grandma’s weird and wonderful existence is the best thing that could have happened to this young girl. In this acrobatic, colourful and musical surrounding, the little daredevil discovers another life, and even though she has her reservations, she is much the better for the change. Meeting Sonia and Léon, two neighbours from the area, and basking in the generosity of Mémé Oignon and Cloclo, teaches Jeanne the almost magical power of living together and supporting each other. These diverse and distinctive characters give us a touching lesson about passing values on to others. And that helps Jeanne give her mother the strength to start healing. The film closes with the characters bashing out a fun tune on pots and pans and singing the whimsical lyrics of a song entitled “She Ate the Onion Pie”, as the night is lit up only by stars and small lamps. The intensity and tempo of the film drum up an infectious joy that stays with you even after the screen is turned off. Viewers are left thinking it would be brilliant to be able to go on another such adventure some time very soon...
