Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
Stéphane decides to move to the beautiful mountains of Cantal in order to reconnect with his 8-year-old daughter, Victoria, who has been silent since her mother's disappearance. During a walk in the forest, a shepherd gives Victoria a puppy named "Mystery" who will gradually give her a taste for life. But very quickly, Stéphane discovers that the animal is in reality a wolf… Despite the warnings and the danger of this situation, he cannot bring himself to separate his daughter from this seemingly harmless ball of hair.
Vicky and Her Mystery is a gentle, visually handsome French family drama set against the rugged Cantal highlands, which cinematographer captures with genuine beauty and atmosphere. The premise — a grieving, mute child bonding with what turns out to be a wolf pup — is touching and rooted in a true story, giving it some natural distinction. However, the plotting follows fairly predictable emotional beats: withdrawn child, well-meaning parent, dangerous secret pet, inevitable conflict with authorities. The acting is earnest but unremarkable, with the young lead conveying much through silence and reaction rather than craft. The ending, while emotionally intended to be bittersweet, feels rushed and somewhat unsatisfying, not quite landing the emotional payoff the story builds toward. Overall a warm, competent film elevated mostly by its stunning natural setting.