Zelly and Me Reviews

In this deceptively cuddly picture about the psychological violence inflicted by a grandmother on her granddaughter, Alexandra Johnes plays Phoebe, an orphaned eight-year-old who lives with her grandmother (Glynis Johns) on an immaculate Virginia estate. Phoebe is deeply attached to her French nanny, Joan, called "Zelly" (a childish version of "Mademoiselle"), played by Isabella Rossellini. Phoebe's favorite pastime is learning about St. Joan of Arc. The grandmother, a lonely, bereaved woman, tries to bind Phoebe to her by separating the youngster from anyone who might come between them. She gradually banishes the gardener for giving Phoebe a gift, Zelly for an imagined violation of trust, and the child's stuffed animals because they are close to Phoebe's heart. A gentle and spiritual film, ZELLY AND ME is directed with great grace. It is also a film of unrelenting psychological and spiritual cruelty. In addition to Tina Rathborne's fine direction and some excellent technical credits, ZELLY AND ME offers impeccable performances from Alexandra Johnes and Glynis Johns, and a superlative one from Isabella Rossellini.