Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Artsy short set in Italian orphanage questions authority.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Le Pupille
What's the Story?
In LE PUPILLE, the girls in an Italian orphanage are preparing for the Christmas pageant, during which the townspeople come to ask for prayers on their behalf. A mysterious lady in a fur coat and jewels appeals to them, setting off a chain of events that shakes up the sense of order in the orphanage. Will the girls be able to behave when called upon to do so? Or will temptation get the better of them?
Is It Any Good?
Flinty and delightful, this art-house short captures the sparks that dance in the human spirit during times of scarcity. On its surface, the minimalist direction of Alice Rohrwacher (Happy as Lazzaro) successfully delivers a delicious punch line. But behind the constraints of life in a threadbare, orderly orphanage shines the grin of rebellion.
Younger teens might not enjoy the nuances delivered in Le Pupille as a 40-minute film, but older teens and adults who dig foreign or cerebral shows will find this tidy production satisfying.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in Le Pupille, characters exhibit self-control when performing in a Christmas tableau. What do you think would happen if they lost control?
Characters help each other within the constraints of their situation. What other shows illustrate the character strength of compassion, and how can we learn from them?
People come to the orphan girls to ask them to pray for their loved ones. Why would people believe that the least powerful people (orphan girls) possess this kind of power?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 8, 2023
- Cast : Alba Rohrwacher , Melissa Falasconi , Greta Zuccheri Montanari
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts , History , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Humility , Self-control
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 8, 2025
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