Directed by: Lukas Dhont
Written by: Lukas Dhont and Angelo Tijssens
Starring: Eden Dambrine, Gustav De Waele, Émilie Dequenne, and Léa Drucker
‘Close’ comments on the nuance of young, pure friendship in an unforgiving world.
Remember those exciting, and admittedly nerve-racking, first days of a new school year?
Leo (Eden Dambrine) and Remi (Gustav De Waele) are navigating the new year as previously inseparable friends. It should be easy and effortless, but the snide comments from 13-year-olds crack the foundation of their friendship.
The kinship and innocent connection between the young boys will make everyone grin, especially at the start of the film as they play imaginative games, run through the fields and have sleepovers while sharing late-night stories. It is apparent that Leo and Remi have built a bond over time.
Viewers are then moved through the emotional challenges that young children experience in the presence of peer pressure. Providing brilliant commentary about the social boundaries that are developed through school and how many children must ‘toughen up’ to the harsh words and bullying of others. In some cases, when being tough isn’t worth the change, giving in to social tensions becomes a better alternative.
Dambrine then takes viewers through Leo’s life and the audience truly understands the ripple effect people’s choices and actions have on others. Émilie Dequenne, who plays Remi’s mom, Sophie, naturally shows viewers a mother’s love. The reactions from Sophie throughout the film are authentic to the precautions and actions that any mother would take for their child.
While the film brilliantly portrays the experiences of a 13-year-old, it reminds me of why I was so eager to leave those years behind me. This film allows viewers to sympathize with the hardships of middle and high school, and will most likely leave viewers bawling in the corner.
The cinematography by Frank van den Eeden and director Lukas Dhont throughout this film provided an almost 4-D experience for viewers. As we mainly follow Leo, who leads us through friendship, school, recess, home and sports practice, there is a slight jarring motion to the camera as it is placed at the height of a young boy. This quality makes the audience feel like they are part of the movement.
Subtle depictions of time are found in Leo’s harvest work on his parent’s colorful flower farm. Hours and months go by as Dhont spends time with Leo, his brother, mom, and dad working in the fields. While the scenery changes, Leo’s relationships with the other kids at school also change and the length of time that has passed becomes more apparent to viewers.
The time change and Leo’s change in actions also lead to a well-rounded character arc. Young teens learn so much about themselves and their relationships with friends and family, and throughout the film, Leo shows growth in his outlook on the world.
Dhont leaves viewers with a final homage to life; we can look back, but we must continue taking steps forward.
Plot: ★★★☆☆ 3/5
Cinematography: ★★★☆☆ 3/5
Character Arc: ★★★★☆ 4/5
