Cuties

"Netflix's controversial child exploitation film is bold, flawed - and misunderstood."

"Cuties' job is to coil the contrasting messages and spin them until her lead falls down dizzy, which can make the film feel as subtle as a headache."

"A film to respect for its audacity, admire for its lead female performance perhaps, but also view as dramatically contrived."

"Writer-director Maïmouna Doucouré's captivating but structurally shaky first feature is stronger on setup than development or payoff, becoming less controlled as its opposing forces of tradition and rebellion collide."

"Although Doucouré steeps Cuties in emotion and experience, she abandons its grace to make crazier gestures."

"The performance of Fathia Youssouf is impressive as she transforms her diminutive, naïve self into a towering force."