The film “Close”, directed by Lukas Dhont, is a poignant drama that explores the theme of deep friendship between two young adolescents. The film won the Grand Prix Ex AEQUO at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, which took place from May 17 to 28, 2022, which is completely unfair. Not only “closed” would have deserved to win alone, it is so beautiful and very well done, but it would also have deserved to win other prizes, including that of better male interpretation for the young Eden Dambrine.
Léo (Eden Dambrine) and Rémy (Gustav de Waele) are two young 13 -year -olds. They are inseparable and do everything together, whether at home, in the fields or at school. They are so close that they even sleep together with one or the other. They are young, they are carefree, they are innocent … The parents encourage this friendship. They even like it, considering the two boys as two brothers.
However, their fusional friendship begins to arouse questions within the school and one day, a classmate asks a question: ” Are you in a relationship? ».
As a couple? But no, let’s see! Léo and Rémy are friends. They are very close friends. They are not in a relationship. Has such an idea have ever touched them? No. Not even. They are not in a relationship, they are friends. A great friendship, a deep friendship. There has never been no ambiguity to their relationship. Besides, do they have sex ideas? Do they even start asking questions? To be interested in girls or boys? No, not even. They are still at the age of the game. Simple game and friendship. Sexual questions are for later, when they feel the need …
This question, a small remark of a child in a school courtyard, and the lives of two people is completely turned upside down. A little remark, and the innocent world of childhood collapses!
If Rémy continued to act as before, for Léo, this question will change everything. He is starting to take an interest in the eyes of others and to give great importance to it. How do they see it? Do they really believe that he is in a relationship with Rémy? Do they imagine that he is homosexual?
Léo changes. He no longer wants this great promiscuity with Rémy, whose presence begins to hinder him. He tries to detach himself a little, find new friends, new games. The two boys argue, Rémy not understanding why Léo moves away from him.
Having a friend who changes, who is moving away, without being able to really understand the reason, can break the heart of a young teenager. It can be felt as a betrayal and it can do very very badly.
And one day, the drama.
Director Lukas Dhont, whose Closed is the second fictional feature, managed to transmit the power of this tragedy using a modesty staging, nothing is shown directly, everything is suggested. The film contains no cry, no howl, but the pain is palpable. The close -ups on Léo’s face, including when it is the others who speak or express themselves, allow you to see the impact of the situation on him. He tries to hide his pain, to hold it back, to resume his daily life, but deep down, he is only suffering and guilt. He tries to understand, to assimilate …
The management of actors is exceptional, In particular that of Eden Dambrine, who deserved a price for better interpretation for his overwhelming performance. He knew how to be fair and transmit a great emotion without doing too much. He managed to highlight the disarray, the confusion and distress of his character, without falling into exaggeration or pathos.
In short, Closed is a powerful and moving film that tackles delicate themes with great sensitivity and great accuracy. It shows us the importance of deep friendship and communication, but also the tragic consequences of fear of others and self -rejection. Closed is also a subtle reflection on the difficulty of growing up in a society that imposes standards and prejudices, while escaping stereotypes on the identity and sexuality of adolescents.
The film received a standing ovation during its projection in Cannes, and moved many spectators to tears. Some had even cried for long minutes after the end of the film, which must be seen.
Lukas Dhont had already participated in the Cannes Film Festival in 2018 with his first film Girlin competition with a certain look, and had won the gold camera which rewards the best first film, all sections combined. With Closedthe director continues to explore the world of adolescence, with a correctness and a sensitivity that knew how to touch the members of the jury of the Cannes Film Festival and all the festival -goers.
Neïla Driss
