Scheduled to air on France 3 on Monday, January 26, 2026, Le Petit locataire is a French comedy directed by Nadège Loiseau, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Fanny Burdino. Released in theaters in November 2016, this debut feature features performances by Karin Viard, Philippe Rebbot, and Hélène Vincent. The story offers an intimate look into family life, blending humor with personal reflections on motherhood and everyday challenges.
At 49, Nicole leads a simple, well-ordered life. She works at the toll booth, shares her daily routine with her husband, and remains very close to her grown children. When the news drops — a positive pregnancy test — it hits like an earthquake. This unexpected pregnancy shakes up the family’s stability and forces everyone to confront their own beliefs, caught between worries, misunderstandings, and tender moments.
Reaction to Nicole's news is pouring in from all sides. Her daughter, who became a mother at a young age, questions this sudden shift in roles. Nicole’s own mother watches the situation with a blend of clarity and affectionate awkwardness. The film deftly examines, without caricature, the generational gaps, the transmissions between women, and how each woman perceives her identity in relation to motherhood—regardless of her age or background.
The Little Tenant originates from a personal experience of Nadège Loiseau. While not strictly autobiographical, the film draws inspiration from the complex feelings she experienced during her own pregnancy, pondering the concept of a "tenant" to describe this foreign yet intimate body. This starting point grants the film a unique tone—both tangible and symbolic.
Debuting with a premiere at the Angoulême Francophone Film Festival in 2016, the feature film earned a nomination. Filming took place in intentionally modest settings that faithfully reflect the social environment of the characters. Director Nadège Loiseau stands by this decision, feeling confident in her understanding of these codes and aiming to portray everyday heroines—characters that are far removed from typical Parisian stereotypes.
The cast also underwent changes during development. Originally considered for a different part, Philippe Rebbot was cast as Nicole’s husband at Karin Viard’s suggestion. This switch marked a significant turning point in Rebbot's career, as it became one of his first major film roles. Hélène Vincent completed the lineup with a memorable performance in a role that challenged her usual typecasting, bringing to the director’s mind her connection to the classic film La Vie est un long fleuve tranquille.
With its bittersweet tone, The Little Tenant appeals to a broad audience, especially those who enjoy family chronicles and stories focused on women. The film fits into a tradition of realistic French comedies, sharing certain sensibilities with the work of Sólveig Anspach, whom Nadège Loiseau cites as a significant influence—particularly for her talent in blending apparent naivety with emotional depth.
The Little Tenant
Film | 2016
Television broadcast: Monday, January 26, 2026, on France 3
Comedy | Duration: 1h44
Directed by Nadège Loiseau | Starring Karin Viard, Philippe Rebbot, Hélène Vincent
Original title: Le Petit locataire
Country: France
Addressing late motherhood with subtlety and without sensationalism, Le Petit Locataire offers a nuanced exploration of family ties and societal expectations. Anchored by a restrained central performance from Karin Viard, the film balances comedy and contemplative insight, painting a portrait of a woman navigating a situation that defies conventional norms.
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