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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Eleanor's Secret.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Eleanor's Secret Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2009)

Natanaël, seven, still doesn't know how to read. His eccentric old aunt bequeaths her house to his parents and her book collection to the young boy. Nat discovers that the books se...

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Animation, Family cinema, then Eleanor's Secret offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2009 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Animation films
Fans of Family films

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

Eleanor's Secret stands as a 2009 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Animation, Family landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Natanaël, seven, still doesn't know how to read. His eccentric old aunt bequeaths her house to his parents and her book collection to the young boy. Nat discovers that the books serve as a shelter for all the heroes found in children's literature. They are the original characters and are counting on him for protection. For if they leave the library, they will disappear along with their stories forever! When his parents start selling off the books, Nathanaël, who is shrunk by the evil witch Carabosse, braves everything to save his tiny friends"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Denis Podalydès does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Animation. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Eleanor's Secret worth your time? If you appreciate Animation, Family films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Eleanor's Secret is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 80 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.

⏳ Time Investment

80MIN

At approximately 1.3 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.