I will just come right out and say it – “The Hedgehog” is fantastique. The directorial debut from French filmmaker Mona Achache has shaped up to be the highlight of the Cleveland International Film Festival thus far and, rightfully so, may very well be one of the best films I see all year. The story unfolds from the perspective of an intelligent and adorable 11-year old girl named Paloma, who lives in a luxurious apartment with her wealthy family of dysfunctional misfits. A champagne addicted  mother, who spends way too much time talking to her plants. A father that is consumed by his job rather than his family. An ungrateful sister who just wants to be left alone. Thanks to a dreadful future ahead that she feels is already in the cards, Paloma has made up her mind – on the eve of her 12^th birthday she will take her own life. In the meantime, she will capture the life around her in all its glory on her newly discovered film camera. However, with the help of Renee, the building’s janitor, Paloma  will discover that living life may be far more important than throwing it all away. Based on the best-selling novel ‘The Elegance of the Hedgehog’ by Muriel Barbery, the film is a pure joy to watch. Each cast member is delicately cast and beautifully directed in this nearly flawless picture, which exquisitely wraps together the right combination of comedy and drama. Not matter how you look at it, “The Hedgehog” is not to be missed. (In French with English Subtitles)