The film “Telle mère, telle fille” (2017), also known internationally as Baby Bump(s), is a lively French comedy directed by Noémie Saglio, who co-wrote the script with Agathe Pastorino. The leading roles are played by Juliette Binoche (Mado) and Camille Cottin (Avril), accompanied by Lambert Wilson, Catherine Jacob and others.
What is the movie about?
Avril is a responsible and organized woman, with a husband, a career and a relatively stable life. She lives together with her mother Mado, who behaves like an eternal teenager: frivolous, carefree, adventurous, and highly dependent on her daughter.
Everything changes when Avril discovers that she is pregnant. But the real chaos begins when Mado announces that she is also expecting a baby — after a one-night reunion with her ex-husband. Two women from different generations, living under the same roof, suddenly face pregnancy at the same time. This becomes the source of countless comic, absurd and at the same time dramatic situations. It becomes especially complicated because Mado categorically refuses to see herself as a grandmother, while for Avril the very idea of her mother becoming a mother again creates continuous emotional tension.
Technical details and production
• Director and writers: Noémie Saglio, Agathe Pastorino.
• Music: the soundtrack was composed by the famous French musician M (Matthieu Chedid).
• Filming period: June to August 2016.
• Running time: around 94 minutes.
• Production companies: Flamme Films, Gaumont, France 2 Cinéma and others; the budget was about €6.7 million, while box office revenue reached around $1.4 million.
A recipe for light family comedy
The film builds a light-hearted and easygoing atmosphere, which many viewers described as “pleasant and stress-free.” The interaction between Binoche and Cottin is a true parade of comedy and emotional confrontation, with each actress showcasing her individuality: the mother who acts like a teenager and the daughter who is supposed to be the adult, yet is emotionally vulnerable.
Critics noted that the film relies on familiar and even clichéd comedic devices, yet the charisma of the actresses and the lively pace of the story compensate for this. The supporting characters, particularly those portrayed by Lambert Wilson and Catherine Jacob, also add color and contrast.
Reception and reviews
The critical and audience reception was mixed:
• Positive reviews (around 3.5 out of 5) highlighted the lightness, the actresses’ charm and the film’s dynamic tempo.
• Negative reviews (around 2 out of 5) pointed out excessive caricature, exaggerated traits and a somewhat shallow script.
• Some reviewers criticized the film for being superficial and relying too much on clichés, but even they admitted that Juliette Binoche’s presence on screen rescues the film and brings it a unique charm.
Conclusion — who should watch and why
“Telle mère, telle fille” is a witty, light and emotionally engaging comedy about the complex yet warm bond between a mother and her daughter. This film will appeal to those who appreciate:
• The French style of family comedy with vivid characters.
• Sincere acting performances: Juliette Binoche and Camille Cottin create a unique chemistry on screen.
• A simple, pleasant storyline, which does not aim for deep philosophy but provides good-natured entertainment.
If you are ready to forgive the clichés and simplicity for the sake of a warm, funny and human story, this movie may pleasantly surprise you.
