It's Raining in the House (Il pleut dans la maison) (2023) by Paloma Sermon-Daï: A Raw Portrait of Adolescence and Resilience
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 25
- 10 min read
Movie Summary: Siblings Against the World
"It's Raining in the House" (Original Title: "Il pleut dans la maison") is a 2023 Belgian-French coming-of-age drama film, 82 minutes in duration, written and directed by Paloma Sermon-Daï. Marking Sermon-Daï's feature directorial debut, the film offers a poignant, realist look at adolescence. Set during a sweltering and stormy summer by a popular lake in Belgium, it follows 17-year-old Purdey (Purdey Lombet) and her 15-year-old brother Makenzy (Makenzy Lombet). Abandoned by their mother and left to fend for themselves in their dilapidated family home, Purdey takes a cleaning job at a hotel, while Makenzy resorts to stealing from tourists. The film charts their journey as they navigate the recklessness of youth and the harsh realities of adult responsibilities, learning to rely solely on each other in what feels like the last, tender summer of their childhood. It is lauded for its unflinching camerawork and the earnest, naturalistic performances from real-life siblings Purdey and Makenzy Lombet.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21992864/
About movie: https://heretic.gr/film/its-raining-in-the-house/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/nl/movie/its-raining-in-the-house (Netherlands), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/il-pleut-dans-la-maison (France)
Detailed Summary: Summer's Heat, Life's Hardship
A Story of Survival, Love, and Growing Up Too Fast in a Neglected Home. Paloma Sermon-Daï draws on autobiographical elements and her documentary background to craft a deeply authentic and unsentimental portrayal of childhood precarity.
The Setting and Circumstance: The film is set over a hot, stormy summer in Wallonia, Belgium, a region where wealthy tourists flock to a lake, creating a stark contrast with the local working-class environment where Purdey and Makenzy reside. The titular "rain in the house" refers to a broken skylight in their dilapidated home, a persistent problem that symbolizes the larger crises they face but are forced to normalize.
Abandoned and Resourceful: Purdey, at 17, and Makenzy, 15, are left to their own devices after their mother's unexplained absence. This forces them into premature adulthood. Purdey, the more responsible of the two, tries to secure legitimate work, finding a low-paying cleaning job at a hotel, and even attempts to communicate with social services. She harbors ambitions of studying nursing.
Makenzy's Rebellious Path: Makenzy, in contrast, has failed out of school and turns to petty crime, fencing stolen bikes with his friend Donovan (Donovan Nizet) to make money. He exhibits anger issues and a more rebellious streak, which some critics suggest might be linked to internal struggles with his sexual identity.
The Sibling Bond: Despite their differing approaches to survival and typical sibling squabbles, the core of the film is their surprisingly tender and essential bond. They rely on each other for emotional and financial support, learning to navigate a world that offers them little. The casting of real-life siblings (and Sermon-Daï's own relatives) Purdey and Makenzy Lombet enhances this authentic dynamic.
Realist Sensibility and Unflinching Style: Sermon-Daï employs an observational style, reminiscent of cinema vérité and the Dardenne brothers (though with a more languid pace). The film "aggressively eschews the excesses of family melodrama," focusing instead on the mundane yet profound realities of their struggle without falling into sentimentality. The cinematography by Frédéric Noirhomme captures the summer heat and the nuanced emotions of the siblings, often with a "sense of soft-pedaling, bucolic charm" alongside the harshness.
Themes of Poverty and Adulthood: The film explores poverty not as a dramatic spectacle but as an ever-present, mundane challenge. It portrays the heavy weight of adult responsibilities thrust upon children, examining what it means to come of age when one lacks the luxury of a carefree youth.
Plot Summary: Summer of Self-Reliance
Seventeen-year-old Purdey and her 15-year-old brother Makenzy are abandoned by their mother and left to fend for themselves in their dilapidated Belgian home.
Purdey works as a hotel cleaner, while Makenzy resorts to stealing from tourists to earn money.
The siblings navigate the challenges of adolescence, economic hardship, and a fractured home life, relying entirely on each other.
The film explores their tender, complex bond and their premature entry into adulthood during a crucial summer.
Director's Vision: Paloma Sermon-Daï's Authentic Portrayal of Youth and Precarity
Giving Voice to the Unseen, Without Sentimentalizing Struggle. Paloma Sermon-Daï (whose previous work includes the short film Makenzy and the documentary Petit Samedi about her brother's drug addiction) brings a deeply personal and observational approach to her feature debut:
Autobiographical Roots: The film is inspired by her own experiences and those of the actors, drawing on her upbringing in a "simple environment" and her contact with low-income families. This gives her a "natural legitimacy" to address the topic of precariousness.
Avoiding Clichés: Sermon-Daï consciously works to avoid clichés of misery or melodrama often associated with films about poverty. She aims for an authentic and unsentimental portrayal, focusing on the "banality and frustration of their humdrum everyday existence."
Blended Genres and Naturalism: She mixes elements of documentary with fiction, leveraging the real-life complicity of her lead actors (her niece Purdey and half-brother Makenzy Lombet). She allowed for "substantial improvisation" during filming, enabling the actors to contribute to dialogues and scenes, which enhances the film's naturalism.
The Burden of Responsibility: Sermon-Daï was particularly interested in depicting the reality of young girls taking on parental roles due to absent or struggling parents, portraying Purdey's "sense of sacrifice" and premature maturity.
Visual Warmth Amidst Hardship: Despite the harsh realities, she and cinematographer Frédéric Noirhomme aimed to capture the "heat of the summer" and "beautiful natural lights, with warm colors," creating a visual contrast that highlights the tenderness within their struggle.
Themes: Adolescence, Economic Hardship, Family Dysfunction, Resilience, and The Weight of Adulthood
Growing Up Too Fast, Together.
Adolescence and Coming-of-Age: Explores the universal rites of passage (first love, rebellion) against a backdrop of severe responsibility, making their "last summer of youth" feel particularly poignant.
Economic Precarity and Class: A central theme, showing the daily grind of poverty and how it dictates choices and limits opportunities.
Family Dysfunction and Abandonment: The absence of the mother forces the siblings to rely entirely on each other, highlighting the profound impact of parental neglect.
Resilience and Mutual Support: Despite their individual struggles and conflicts, the film emphasizes the unwavering bond and support between Purdey and Makenzy.
The Harshness of Adulthood: The children are thrust into adult responsibilities prematurely, facing a world that offers little sympathy or assistance.
Key Success Factors: Authentic Performances, Realist Approach, and Festival Acclaim
Authentic Lead Performances: The casting of real-life siblings Purdey and Makenzy Lombet (who are also relatives of the director) provides a raw and believable dynamic, a major strength of the film.
Strong Auteur Voice: Paloma Sermon-Daï's confident directorial debut, blending documentary sensibility with a fictional narrative, has garnered significant critical attention.
Social Realism: The film's unflinching and unsentimental portrayal of poverty and family struggle resonates with audiences and critics looking for grounded, impactful stories.
International Co-Production: As a Belgium-France collaboration, it benefits from a broader reach in European cinema.
Festival Recognition: Its premiere at Cannes Critics' Week and subsequent awards and nominations indicate strong critical reception and artistic merit.
Awards & Nominations: Significant Accolades
"It's Raining in the House" has received notable recognition:
Cannes Film Festival (Critics' Week 2023):
Winner: French Touch Prize of the Critics' Week Jury
Nominee: Critics' Week Grand Prize
Nominee: Golden Camera (for best first feature)
Namur International French-Language Film Festival (FIFF) 2023:
Winner: Golden Bayard for Best Film
Winner: Golden Bayard for Best Performance (shared by Makenzy and Purdey Lombet)
Magritte Awards 2025 (Belgian national film awards):
Winner: Best Male Newcomer (Makenzy Lombet)
Winner: Best Female Newcomer (Purdey Lombet)
Winner: Best Supporting Actress (Louise Manteau - as the mother)
Nominee: Best Film
Nominee: Best First Feature Film
Nominee: Best Director (Paloma Sermon-Daï)
Nominee: Best Cinematography (Frédéric Noirhomme)
Nominee: Best Production Design
Other Festival Selections: São Paulo International Film Festival 2023, Melbourne International Film Festival 2023, Thessaloniki Film Festival 2023, Cinemania 2023, Morelia International Film Festival 2023, Luxembourg City Film Festival 2024.
Critics' Reception: Naturalistic, Poignant, and Unsentimental
Critical reception for "It's Raining in the House" has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising its naturalistic approach, emotional depth, and Paloma Sermon-Daï's unique blend of realism and poetic style.
"Exquisite Coming-of-Age Portrait": Many critics lauded the film as an "exquisite coming-of-age portrait of poverty and connection," emphasizing its compassionate yet unsentimental portrayal of adolescence and the bonds of family (AWFJ.org).
Naturalistic Performances: The casting of real-life siblings Purdey and Makenzy Lombet in the lead roles was widely praised for contributing to the film's authenticity and the "naturalistic performances" that create a "truly believable dynamic." Their "raw presence" and "undeniable talent" are frequently highlighted (Screen International, Cineuropa, Wikipedia).
Authentic and Unflinching Realism: The film is described as a "matter-of-fact portrayal of poverty" and a "slice of social realism" that delves into the challenges of a fractured home life without resorting to melodrama. It "aggressively eschews the excesses of family melodrama" while maintaining emotional resonance (Wikipedia, ICS Film).
Director's Vision and Style: Paloma Sermon-Daï's direction is commended for its "intimate visual style," "relaxed observational style," and ability to "blend realism with a poetic visual style." Critics note her "strong understanding of the medium," creating an "arresting effect" by combining a familiar coming-of-age story with a non-fiction sensibility (Screen International, Wikipedia).
Atmospheric and Immersive: The film's setting in Wallonia, with its tourist hotspots contrasted against areas of unemployment and poverty, is vividly captured. Cinematography by Frédéric Noirhomme and the lack of a traditional score, relying instead on a "layered natural soundscape," contribute to an immersive atmosphere (Screen Daily, ICS Film).
Subtle Poignancy: Reviewers highlight the film's ability to extract "increasing poignancy" from seemingly innocuous moments, allowing the "inner lives of these characters" to be exposed through subtle details and gestures (Screen Daily).
Summary: "It's Raining in the House" has received widespread critical acclaim for its authentic and naturalistic portrayal of two siblings navigating hardship. Critics praise Paloma Sermon-Daï's empathetic and unsentimental direction, the compelling performances of the real-life Lombet siblings, and the film's unique blend of social realism with a poetic, intimate visual style, creating a poignant and immersive coming-of-age story.
Reviews: Two Siblings, One Leaking House, and a Difficult Summer
Reviews detail the intimate narrative of the film, focusing on the daily struggles and emotional resilience of two young people facing an absent parent and mounting responsibilities.
The Setting and Abandonment: The film is set during a hot and stormy summer at a popular tourist lake in Belgium's Wallonia region. Seventeen-year-old Purdey (Purdey Lombet) and her fifteen-year-old brother Makenzy (Makenzy Lombet) live in their dilapidated family home, which, as the title suggests, literally leaks during summer storms. Their father is absent, and their alcoholic mother (Louise Manteau) is frequently gone, eventually leaving them to fend for themselves.
Survival and Responsibility: Forced into premature adulthood, Purdey and Makenzy must learn to support each other both emotionally and financially. Purdey, nearing 18, takes a low-paying cleaning job at a local hotel, sacrificing her dreams of becoming a nurse to ensure their survival. Makenzy, who has flunked his exams, resorts to petty crime, such as stealing bicycles and harassing wealthy tourists, to make ends meet.
A "Last Summer" of Childhood: The narrative oscillates between moments of youthful recklessness—like splashing in the lake or clowning around—and the harsh realities of adult responsibilities. It captures what feels like the "last summer of their youth," as they are propelled into an adult life that leaves little room for carefree adolescence.
Sibling Bond: At its core, the film is a tender portrayal of the sibling relationship. Despite their challenges and occasional combative moments, their bond is "always shot through with tenderness" and provides their main source of support and connection in a world that offers little security.
Social Determinism and Aspirations: The film implicitly explores themes of social determinism and the "glass ceiling" that prevents them from aiming higher. Purdey's well-off boyfriend, Youssef (Amine Hamidou), cannot comprehend her limited choices, highlighting the stark class divide. The film focuses on the characters' stoicism and quiet acceptance rather than overt rebellion against life's injustices.
Symbolism of the House: The ramshackle, leaky house, with its peeling walls, serves as a powerful symbol. It represents both their heritage and their remaining points of reference, but also the "weight of a social assignment that hinders their impulses" and the crumbling reality of their childhood.
Summary: "It's Raining in the House" reviews detail a poignant coming-of-age drama about Purdey, 17, and Makenzy, 15, two siblings left to their own devices in their leaky childhood home during a sweltering summer in Wallonia. Abandoned by their mother, Purdey takes a cleaning job while Makenzy resorts to petty theft. The film intimately portrays their struggle for survival, their tender sibling bond, and their quiet navigation of economic hardship and societal barriers, exploring their bittersweet transition from adolescence to adult responsibilities.
Why to recommend movie: For a Moving, Authentic, and Critically Acclaimed Drama
A Raw, Unsentimental Look at Childhood Resilience.
For Fans of Social Realist Cinema: If you appreciate films in the vein of the Dardenne brothers or Ken Loach, offering a grounded and authentic portrayal of working-class life and social issues.
For Powerful Child Performances: The real-life siblings Purdey and Makenzy Lombet deliver compelling and naturalistic performances that anchor the film.
For a Unique Coming-of-Age Story: It offers a fresh, unsentimental perspective on adolescence, love, and responsibility when faced with significant adversity.
To Discover an Exciting New Director: Paloma Sermon-Daï's feature debut has garnered significant critical acclaim and awards, marking her as a director to watch.
For Thought-Provoking Themes: The film subtly explores themes of class, abandonment, and the resilience of family bonds.
Movie Trend: Naturalistic Youth Cinema & Debut Features
Authenticity and Emerging Voices. "It's Raining in the House" fits squarely within the trend of naturalistic youth cinema, particularly prevalent in European independent filmmaking. These films often cast non-professional or first-time actors in leading roles to achieve a heightened sense of realism and authenticity. They focus on the unfiltered experiences of adolescents and young adults navigating complex social and economic realities. The film also represents a strong example of a successful feature debut from a director with a distinct vision, often emerging from a background in short films or documentaries.
Social Trend: Children Left Behind & Economic Precarity
The Silent Struggles of Vulnerable Youth. The film deeply resonates with several contemporary social trends:
Children Left Behind: The central premise directly addresses the issue of children and adolescents effectively abandoned or neglected by parents, forced to navigate adulthood far too early.
Economic Precarity and Intergenerational Poverty: It highlights the ongoing struggle of low-income families and the cyclical nature of poverty, showing how limited opportunities impact the lives of young people.
The Invisibility of Vulnerable Youth: The film sheds light on the often-unseen daily struggles of marginalized youth, making their experiences visible and fostering empathy.
The Power of Sibling Bonds: In the absence of stable parental figures, the film celebrates the crucial role of sibling relationships as a source of support, protection, and emotional resilience.
Final Verdict: An Unmissable Debut from Paloma Sermon-Daï
Paloma Sermon-Daï's "It's Raining in the House (Il pleut dans la maison) (2023)" is a profoundly moving and critically acclaimed debut feature that stands as a testament to the resilience of youth facing adversity. Through the raw, authentic performances of real-life siblings Purdey and Makenzy Lombet, the film offers an unflinching, unsentimental, and deeply empathetic portrayal of two adolescents abandoned by their mother and forced to fend for themselves during a scorching summer. Garnering significant awards, including the French Touch Prize at Cannes Critics' Week and multiple Magritte Awards, this Belgian-French co-production is a masterclass in social realism, inviting audiences into a tender, heartbreakingly sweet journey of survival and self-discovery. It is an essential watch for anyone seeking powerful, character-driven dramas that illuminate the quiet struggles of vulnerable youth and the unbreakable bonds that sustain them.
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