The Tree

French writer and director Julie Bertuccelli returned with her second feature with this Australian based drama. After the sudden death of her father, a little girl believes that his soul lives in a giant fig tree which lets her and her mother cope with their grief. The story could have gone many directions but Bertuccelli wisely chose family drama over supernatural or horror film. Instead the mother and daughter relationship becomes the core where each becomes opposites whether to hold on to the past or move on with life in the face of tragedy. Youngster Morgana Davies holds her own against Charlotte Gainsbourg with moving performances. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.