Lukas Dhont’s “Close”

Close (2022)

Toxic masculinity poisons the well of childhood in this rich and moving melacholic masterpiece that is ultimately cathartic

With so many stellar child actors in the last few years, it’s astounding that more keep appearing and this is no exception. Telling the story of friends Léo(Eden Dambrine) and Rémi(Gustav De Waele), we see their last summer before starting high school where they’re confronted with challenges they’ve never faced. Toxic masculinity creeps into their lives and bonds are tested to breaking point.

With a brooding and moving score from Valentin Hadjadj and breathtaking cinematography from Frank van den Eeden which augments the natural yet powerful performances of Dambrine and Waele, the film is layered, smart and deftly avoids falling into sentimental tropes.

I really don’t want to say much more as some reviews that delved into aspects of the film which I think are best not known prior to viewing. What I will say is that this is very likely to be among my top picks for this year and though it is often sad, it is ultimately cathartic.