The Most Precious of Cargoes (2024) by Michel Hazanavicius

“The Most Precious of Cargoes” (original title: “La Plus Précieuse des marchandises”) is a 2024 French-Belgian animated drama film directed by Academy Award-winning director Michel Hazanavicius (“The Artist”). Based on the novel of the same name by Jean-Claude Grumberg, the film tells a poignant story set during World War II about a Jewish baby girl saved from a train bound for Auschwitz and the couple who find and raise her.

During the height of World War II, a poor woodcutter and his wife live a simple life in a snow-covered forest village. They are childless, and the wife longs to be a mother. Their quiet existence is shattered by the constant passage of trains carrying people to the Auschwitz concentration camp. One fateful day, a desperate Jewish father throws his infant daughter from one of these trains, hoping to save her from certain death. The baby is discovered by the woodcutter’s wife, who sees her as a precious gift and is determined to raise her, despite her husband’s initial hesitation and the growing antisemitism in their community. The film follows the couple’s journey as they protect and raise the child, highlighting the depths of human compassion against the backdrop of immense horror.

Michel Hazanavicius aimed to address the profoundly sensitive topic of the Holocaust through animation, employing a distinctive visual style that blends the heavy lines of early 20th-century woodcuts with the gentle pastels of watercolor painting. His vision was to create a film that is both poignant and accessible, capable of reaching and moving a wide audience, including younger generations. By using animation, Hazanavicius sought a unique way to depict not only the horrors of the Holocaust but also the acts of kindness and hope that persisted during that dark period. He envisioned the film as a timeless parable, rendered in a style akin to a graphic novel brought to life, with thick, dark strokes defining the visual landscape.

• The Holocaust: The film unflinchingly addresses one of history’s darkest periods, depicting the systematic persecution and murder of Jewish people during World War II, serving as a reminder of the immense human cost of hatred and intolerance.

• Kindness and Compassion: The selfless act of the woodcutter’s wife in rescuing and raising the abandoned baby highlights the profound power of human compassion and empathy, even amidst widespread cruelty and violence.

• Hatred and Prejudice: The presence of antisemitism within the local community surrounding the woodcutter’s village illustrates the pervasive and dangerous nature of prejudice that allowed the Holocaust to occur.

• Resilience and Hope: Despite the horrific backdrop of war and genocide, the film underscores the strength of the human spirit to endure and find hope in the face of unimaginable adversity, exemplified by the survival of the child and the couple’s commitment.

• The Preciousness of Life: The title itself refers to the rescued baby as “the most precious of cargoes,” emphasizing the inherent value and sanctity of every human life, especially the most vulnerable.

• Unique Animation Style: The film’s distinctive visual approach, blending the starkness of woodcuts with the softness of watercolors, offers a powerful and emotionally resonant way to tell this sensitive story, setting it apart from typical Holocaust narratives and animated features.

• Poignant Storytelling: Adapted from Jean-Claude Grumberg’s acclaimed novel, the film benefits from a deeply moving and well-crafted narrative that explores complex emotions and historical realities with sensitivity and depth.

• Direction by Michel Hazanavicius: The involvement of Michel Hazanavicius, the Oscar-winning director of “The Artist,” brings significant artistic credibility and elevates the film’s potential to reach a wide and discerning audience.

• Addressing a Sensitive Topic with Care: The use of animation allows the film to navigate the difficult subject matter of the Holocaust in a way that is impactful yet potentially more accessible for certain viewers, facilitating reflection without being overly graphic.

• Narrated by Jean-Louis Trintignant (Final Role): The narration by the legendary French actor in one of his final performances adds gravitas and emotional weight to the film, providing a compelling and authoritative voice to guide the audience through the story.

“The Most Precious of Cargoes” is an animated film about a Jewish baby girl rescued from a Holocaust train and raised by a loving couple in war-torn Europe, highlighting themes of kindness amidst horror.

The film has already garnered significant attention and accolades, including winning the Cristal Award at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and receiving nominations at Cannes, the César Awards, and the Lumière Awards. It also won Best Foreign Film at the Magritte Awards.

The critical reception for “The Most Precious of Cargoes” shows a range of opinions. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a score of 50% positive reviews, with an average rating of 6.3/10 based on 12 critics. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 57 out of 100, based on 4 critics, indicating “mixed or average” reviews.3 French critics on AlloCiné gave the film an average rating of 4.0 out of 5, based on 42 reviews. While some critics praised its artistic merit and emotional impact, others found its narrative or execution less compelling.

The reviews for “The Most Precious of Cargoes” indicate a divided response from critics. While many praise its unique and artistic animation style, its sensitive handling of the Holocaust theme, and its poignant storytelling rooted in Jean-Claude Grumberg’s novel, a significant portion of critics on Rotten Tomatoes rated it negatively. The film’s attempt to balance the grim historical context with moments of hope and the development of the central relationship between the woodcutter’s family and the rescued child seems to have resonated differently with various reviewers. The positive reception from French critics on AlloCiné suggests a potentially stronger connection with domestic audiences.

“The Most Precious of Cargoes” has grossed $4,291,630 worldwide. This figure likely reflects its initial release in France and potentially other limited territories.

“The Most Precious of Cargoes” is a collaborative animated film produced by French and Belgian companies.

• Ex Nihilo (France)

• Les Compagnons du Cinema (France)

• Studiocanal (France)

• France 3 Cinéma (France)

• Les Films du Fleuve (Belgium)

• RTBF (Télévision Belge) (Belgium)

• VOO (Belgium)

• BE TV (Belgium)

• Prima Linea Productions (France) (Animation Services)

• Studiocanal is the primary distributor for the film, handling its release in France and likely other key territories including Germany. Other distributors have picked up the film across various countries, including O’Brother Distribution (Belgium), Frenetic Films (Switzerland), Danaos Films (Greece), Vertigo Media (Hungary), Lucky Red (Italy), Corazón Films (Mexico), Kino Świat International (Poland), BTeam Pictures (Spain), Dutch Filmworks Belgium (Netherlands), Arthouse Traffic LLS (Ukraine), and more across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Estonia, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Morocco, North Macedonia, Peru, Portugal, Quebec, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Turkey, and Venezuela.

• Theatrical Release: The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2024, and was released theatrically in France on November 20, 2024. It has seen staggered international releases in various countries starting from late 2024 and continuing into 2025.

• Streaming Release: Information regarding the streaming release date is not yet widely available. It will likely follow the theatrical releases in various regions, potentially appearing on platforms that host independent and international cinema.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Unique and Moving Animated Film: It offers a fresh and artistic perspective on a significant historical event through its distinctive animation style, making it a memorable cinematic experience.

• Directed by Michel Hazanavicius: The film is helmed by a highly respected director known for his innovative storytelling and artistic vision.

• Poignant and Powerful Narrative: Based on an acclaimed novel, the story is deeply emotional and thought-provoking, exploring profound themes of humanity and survival.

• Addresses a Crucial Historical Topic: The film serves as an important reminder of the Holocaust and the need to learn from history, presented in a way that can resonate with a broad audience.

• Critically Recognized: The film has garnered recognition at prestigious film festivals and award ceremonies, signaling its artistic merit.

• If you appreciate animation that tackles serious and important themes, demonstrating the medium’s versatility and power for adult storytelling.

• If you are interested in stories about resilience, hope, and human connection set against the backdrop of the Holocaust, offering a different lens on this historical period.

• If you are a fan of Michel Hazanavicius’s work and his reputation for creating compelling and unique cinematic experiences that often transcend genre conventions.

• If you are looking for a film that is both visually striking and emotionally impactful, leaving a lasting impression and prompting reflection on significant human experiences.

What Movie Trend Film Is Following:

• Animated Films Addressing Mature and Historical Themes: There is a growing trend of animated films that move beyond traditional children’s fare to explore complex and serious topics, including historical events, catering to a more diverse adult audience.

• International Animated Features Gaining Recognition: The success of films like “The Most Precious of Cargoes” highlights the increasing appreciation for animated features from around the world that offer diverse storytelling and artistic styles, challenging the dominance of Western animation.

What Big Social Trend Is Following:

• Continued Importance of Holocaust Remembrance: The film contributes to the ongoing efforts to remember and learn from the Holocaust, ensuring that its lessons about the dangers of hatred and intolerance are not forgotten by new generations.

• Emphasis on Empathy and Kindness: In a world often marked by conflict and division, the film underscores the enduring importance of empathy, compassion, and acts of kindness, even in the face of extreme adversity, offering a message of hope and human decency.

“The Most Precious of Cargoes” stands as a significant animated film that bravely tackles the sensitive subject of the Holocaust with a unique artistic style and profound emotional depth. While critical reception is somewhat divided, its accolades and the strength of its narrative make it a compelling watch for those seeking a meaningful and thought-provoking cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Explore Animation as a Medium for Serious Topics: Hazanavicius demonstrates how animation can be a powerful tool for addressing complex and sensitive historical events in a way that can be both impactful and accessible to a wide audience.

• Adapt Literature Thoughtfully: The successful adaptation of Jean-Claude Grumberg’s novel shows the potential of bringing important literary works to the screen with care and respect for the source material, enriching the landscape of cinema.

• Develop Distinctive Visual Styles: The film’s unique blend of woodcut and watercolor animation highlights the importance of visual innovation in storytelling and creating a lasting artistic impact that can elevate the narrative.

• Collaborate with Talented Voice Actors and Composers: The contribution of esteemed talents like Jean-Louis Trintignant and Alexandre Desplat underscores the value of strong vocal performances and evocative music in enhancing the film’s emotional depth and impact on the audience.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Animated Films for Adult Audiences: The critical and potential audience interest in “The Most Precious of Cargoes” indicates a growing demand for animated features that explore mature themes and appeal to a wider demographic, opening up new avenues for storytelling.

• Promote International Animated Features: The film’s success in the international film festival circuit highlights the importance of supporting and promoting animated films from around the world, showcasing diverse storytelling and artistic approaches that can enrich global cinema.

• Recognize the Educational and Cultural Value of Film: Films that engage with significant historical events like the Holocaust play a crucial role in education and cultural understanding. The industry should continue to support and highlight such projects that contribute to meaningful dialogue.

• Invest in Visually Innovative Storytelling: Encourage and provide funding for filmmakers who are pushing the boundaries of animation and exploring new visual languages to tell compelling and meaningful stories that can resonate with audiences on multiple levels.