Although she is at first mocked by a few boys who dub her ‘Mussels and Fries” after the name of the restaurant above which she lives, Noée gradually comes to terms with the things that make her different to others. She understands that the reason she can’t do sailing lessons like the other children her age is that her mother doesn’t have the money to pay for them. In an effort to fit in she does something awful – and then learns there were other ways she could have got what she wanted... What is more, during her holidays on Benac'h island, Noée has several encounters she will never forget and forms some true friendships. So, Mussels and Fries is a genuine coming-of-age story in which Noée grows up and gains maturity in the course of a summer.
There is a lovely flow to the storytelling along with a wonderful gallery of characters. Even though some of them at first seem harsh and unwilling to entertain outsiders, they ultimately turn out to be warm-hearted and caring. In addition, Mussels and Fries offers a nice insight into summertime on a Breton island, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. And the 2D animation needs just a few pencil strokes to highlight the characters’ personalities. The Breton landscapes are bathed in light and exquisitely soft pastel colours.
