Opened: November 1, 2022

Directed by: Lukas Dhont

Starring: Eden Dambrine, Gustav De Waele, Émilie Dequenne, Léa Drucker, Kevin Janssens, Marc Weiss, Igor van Dessel & Léon Bataille

Focusing on the loss of innocence of two teenage boys, Close is an emotional gut punch that will leave you reeling long after you turn it off.

Léo (Eden Dambrine) and Rémi (Gustav De Waele) are best friends who share a strong bond with playful intimacy. Upon returning to school, they’re mocked by others because of their closeness leaving Léo feeling the need to distance himself.

Dambrine and De Waele both show star power in their first feature roles. Dambrine will keep you emotional throughout, while De Waele has the power to weigh heavy on your mind even when he’s not onscreen.

The film hits hard with themes of depression, toxic masculinity and growing up. It’s a lot to process, but it creates a conversation that needs to happen with kids of this age.

Final say: Shakes your core. ★★★★★