Chanson douce – Slimani Leila (2016)

When Myriam, a mother of two young children, decides to return to her job at a law firm despite her husband's reluctance, the couple begins searching for a nanny. After a rigorous casting process, they hire Louise, who quickly wins the children's affection and gradually takes on a central role in the household. Little by little, the trap of mutual dependence begins to close, leading to tragedy. Through the precise depiction of the young couple and the fascinating, mysterious character of the nanny, our contemporary society is revealed, with its notions of love and education, power dynamics and money, as well as class and cultural prejudices. Leila Slimani's sharp and incisive style, punctuated by flashes of dark poetry, establishes an enchanting suspense from the very first pages.