Belgium’s entry for Best International Feature at the Oscars, Lukas Dhont’s film Close won the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes last year. It’s a sensitive and distressing coming-of-age drama, characterised by beauty and darkness. Co-written by Dhont and Angelo Tijssens, the film allows the audience to interpret events, rather than prescribing an interpretation.
Leo (Eden Dambrine) and Remi (Gustav De Waele) are inseparable best friends. The 13-year-olds play together, race one another in the fields and ride their bikes in tandem with reckless abandon. Leo – whose family runs a flower farm – regularly stays over at Remi’s place and they even share a bed. For all intents and purposes, they are like brothers, ones that get along famously. Before they know it, the holidays are over and they start their first day of high school, where others quickly notice their close bond. Questions are posed; and although Leo pushes back at the inquisitors, clearly he’s affected. That manifests in his interactions with Remi. The dynamic between them changes. But far worse is to follow.
The performances, led by Dambrine, are outstanding. His eyes speak volumes. The depth in his and De Waele’s characterisations belies their tender years. Dhont cast Dambrine after inviting him to audition after he observed him talking to his mates on a train, having noticed an acutely expressive quality about him. Among the other standouts is Remi’s mother Sophie (Emilie Dequenne), who is protective, respectful and authentic. So too Lea Drucker as Leo’s supportive mum Nathalie. Igor van Dessel brings empathy to his role as Leo’s older brother.
The texture of the film is greatly enhanced by the sun-kissed, close-up cinematography by Frank van den Eeden, which captures character nuances. The seductive score by Valentin Hadjadj is another winner.
Close is a very special film that will stay with you long after you exit the cinema. It is a movie I suspect you will want to talk about with a friend or loved one.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Mr Blake at Your Service – movie review
- The Mystery of Henri Pick – movie review
- Custody – movie review
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
