Softie () is a 2021 French coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Samuel Theis. It follows a troubled ten-year-old boy living with his mother and two siblings in Forbach, northeastern France. It premiered in the International Critics' Week sidebar at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, and won the top prize at the 2021 Thessaloniki International Film Festival.
Cast
Aliocha Reinert as Johnny
Antoine Reinartz as Adamski
Mélissa Olexa as Sonia
Izïa Higelin as Nora
Jade Schwartz as Mélissa
Ilario Gallo as Dylan
Abdel Benchendikh as Ylies
Romande Esch as Dylan's girlfriend
Mérésia Litzenburger as Mérésia
Danielle Dalhem as school principal
Maïa Quesmand as Camille
Claire Burger as Claire
Reception
Nikki Baughan of Screen International found the film reminiscent of System Crasher and wrote, "it expertly captures [the protagonist's] confusion, fear and anger as he attempts to negotiate both the hardships of life and his burgeoning sexuality." Pat Brown of Slant Magazine called the film "a noteworthy repurposing of the coming-of-age social drama" that provides "a straightforward glance into the experience of navigating a queer identity", giving it two and a half out of four stars.