MAR
2
Close; movie review
Close is a thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of childhood friendships and the impact of societal expectations on individual identity. Lukas Dhont directs Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele in their remarkable and natural performances as 13-year-old best friends Léo and Rémi.
Despite its lack of action, Close manages to capture the attention of its audience with its superbly observed scenes and nuanced character development. The film tackles challenging topics, including suicide references, homophobia, and bullying, making it a tough watch for some viewers. However, its intimate portrayal of the joy and despair of childhood friendships, as well as the harsh realities of growing up, make it a memorable experience.
Dhont's discovery of Dambrine on a train to Ghent is a testament to the young actor's talent and the director's ability to recognize it. Their collaboration, along with De Waele's, resulted in a Grand Jury Prize win at the Cannes Film Festival, and rightfully so.
Overall, Close is a poignant film that explores universal themes of friendship, identity, and heartbreak. Its exceptional performances and intimate portrayal of childhood make it a must-watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema.
Reasons to watch: Exceptional performances and thought-provoking themes
Reasons to avoid: Contains sensitive and challenging topics
Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 9/10
Did you know? This was Lukas Dhont's second film and was the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
The final word. Lukas Dhont: "The wounds that are shown in the film are, I think, deeply universal. We have all been in friendship and have felt the heartbreak of friendship.
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