When Odile "accidentally" dies, Danielle divides her estate between her grand-niece and grand-nephew, Jeanne and Jean-Pierre.

The family goes on an extended vacation leaving their aunt in the care of a young woman, Sandrine.

Through many turbulent episodes these two women develop an ostensibly mutual love-hate "respect".

Critic Roger Ebert awarded the film 3 out of 4 stars and wrote, "The most refreshing thing about 'Tatie Danielle' is that it allows an old woman the same freedom as any other movie character, to be unpleasant and mean-spirited.

[3] Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times also gave a positive review, praising the cast and Chatiliez's satire.