Jacques Doillon's films tend to swing between studies of hysterical characters and explorations of youth. Petits frères belongs to the second category, but with a difference. Unlike some of his other work, such as Jeune Werther, this film is set in the poor suburbs. Thirteen-year old Talia is having problems with her stepfather, so she escapes with her dog in the direction of Pantin, where she hopes to find her friends. But they have already been placed in a home. The only people she meets are four boys who win her confidence and then steal her dog. She is so desperate to find Kim that she is ready to do anything. In her search for her dog, she discovers solidarity.