Nénette 2010

Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times: Beautiful in its minimalism, Nenette is no antizoo rant but a melancholy meditation on captivity. Read more

Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times: For all but the most devoted animal watchers, the film may come across as slow and repetitive. Read more

Scott Tobias, AV Club: As with all of Philibert's work, Nenette is impeccably composed and admirably disciplined, but his patient observation can't unlock the mysteries of an animal that's grown more introspective and likely less expressive over time. Read more

Wesley Morris, Boston Globe: Philibert's film finds a rather contemplative creature. Her mood complements his. Read more

V.A. Musetto, New York Post: Maybe being an orangutan has its merits. Read more

Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle: Zoo creatures seem like funny caricatures during a short visit. After 67 minutes of observation, Nenette seems stuck in a dreamlike limbo, disconnected from the world, going through the motions, waiting patiently to die. Read more

Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The persistent gaze in both directions raises unanswered questions about captivity and voyeurism. Read more

David Jenkins, Time Out: Small details are magnified by Philibert's long, quiet takes, and Nenette's mundane human characteristics make us consider our own lives and how we relate to the natural world. Read more

Alissa Simon, Variety: Read more

Melissa Anderson, Village Voice: Watching Nenette watch those who gape at her is an intriguing, multi-layered exercise of voyeurism, but one that wanes after our gaze is demanded for too long. Read more

Stephanie Merry, Washington Post: The collection of images and tidbits of information raise interesting questions about keeping animals in captivity. Read more