🪶 Story & Synopsis
In Lukas Dhont’s poignant film “Close,” the audience is immersed in the intricate and emotional journey of two teenage boys, Leo and Remi, whose close friendship is put to the test when their intimacy is noticed by their schoolmates, leading to a rift between them.
The movie opens with a pivotal moment where following a scuffle between the boys, Remi locks himself in the bathroom, triggering concern from his mother not about the fight itself but about his emotional well-being. This incident hints at deeper emotional issues within Remi and sets the tone for the exploration of their friendship.
“Close” delves into the complexities of adolescent relationships, highlighting the innocence and intensity of the bond between Leo and Remi. The film beautifully captures the nuances of their friendship, which is as strong as that of brothers, yet faces external challenges that threaten to tear them apart.
Director Lukas Dhont, known for his sensitive storytelling, draws from personal experiences, as he too had a close friendship during his youth that was misunderstood and judged through a lens of sexuality. This real-life parallel adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making the emotional journey of Leo and Remi even more poignant.
Set in a small town in Belgium, “Close” portrays the struggles of the two boys as they navigate societal expectations, peer pressure, and their own evolving emotions. The film showcases the power of friendship and the impact of external influences on the delicate fabric of their relationship.
As the story unfolds, viewers witness the emotional turmoil, the moments of joy, and the heart-wrenching challenges that Leo and Remi face as they try to preserve their bond amidst growing tensions and misunderstandings. The film masterfully portrays the complexities of adolescence and the resilience of young friendship.
“Close” is a beautifully understated Belgian film that offers a raw and authentic portrayal of innocent same-sex affection, exploring themes of friendship, responsibility, and self-discovery. The performances by the young cast, led by Eden Dambrine and Gustav de Waele, have been lauded by specialized critics for their authenticity and emotional depth.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes, “Close” takes the audience on a poignant and thought-provoking journey through the intertwined lives of Leo and Remi, inviting viewers to reflect on the power of friendship, the challenges of adolescence, and the resilience of the human spirit.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Noomi Rapace, Sophie Nélisse, Indira Varma, George Georgiou, Christopher Sciueref, Eoin Macken
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Noomi Rapace | Sam |
| Indira Varma | Sophie |
| Sophie Nélisse | Zoe |
| Eoin Macken | Conall |
| Olivia Jewson | Kate |
| Abdellatif Chaouqi | Zuberi |
| Huw Parmenter | Adam |
| Cherise Silvestri | Camille |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Picture this: a heart-wrenching tale of two boys bound by friendship in a small Belgian town, where innocence mingles with the complexities of budding sexuality. “Close,” a masterpiece that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you pondering the depths of human connection.
From the parallels drawn to director Lukas Dhont’s own life to the exquisitely modulated performances and imagery, “Close” weaves a narrative that is as captivating as it is poignant. The film delicately navigates themes of friendship, loss, and the tumultuous journey from childhood to adolescence.
The plot unfolds with a gut-wrenching event as Rémi’s absence from school leads to devastating news of his suicide. The aftermath sees Léo grappling with guilt and emotional turmoil, unable to articulate his feelings amidst the sea of unsaid words and unshed tears.
The beauty of “Close” lies in its ability to capture the essence of relationships, both platonic and profound. It delves into the intricacies of human emotions with such finesse that it feels like peering into a mirror reflecting our own vulnerabilities.
- Acting and Characters: Noomi Rapace delivers a kick-ass performance that adds layers to the character dynamics. The chemistry between the young actors portraying Léo and Rémi is palpable, drawing you deeper into their world.
- Direction: Lukas Dhont’s direction infuses each frame with raw emotion, capturing moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between with an authenticity that resonates long after the credits roll.
- Cinematography: The visuals in “Close” are nothing short of breathtaking. From sweeping landscapes to intimate close-ups, every shot is meticulously crafted to evoke a myriad of emotions.
Binge-watching Tip: Keep tissues handy while watching “Close” as it’s bound to stir up a whirlwind of emotions that might require some soulful reflection afterwards!
In a nutshell, “Close” is not just a movie; it’s an experience that lingers on your mind like a haunting melody. It raises questions about love, loss, and the bittersweet journey of growing up. So grab some popcorn, cozy up on your couch, and let yourself be enveloped by the tender embrace of this cinematic gem.
Ratings: 9/10
In conclusion: Remember, just like Léo and Rémi in “Close,” cherish those close to your heart for they are truly invaluable treasures in life’s unpredictable journey.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Remarkable performances | Weakens towards the end |
| Beautifully shot | Main plot twist felt sudden |
| Engaging and heartbreaking tale | Off-paced at some parts |
| Tender articulation of adolescent grief | Some aspects feel like an evasion |
| Exquisitely modulated imagery | Emotionally explosive material handled carelessly |
Feedback
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Close (2022 film) - Wikipedia
Close(2022 film)
Close Directed by Lukas Dhont Screenplay by - Lukas Dhont
- Angelo Tijssens
Produced by - Dirk Impens
- Michiel Dhont
Starring - Eden Dambrine
- Gustav de Waele
- Émilie Dequenne
- Léa Drucker
Cinematography Frank van den Eeden Edited by Alain Dessauvage Music by Valentin Hadjadj Productioncompanies
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Close (2022) - IMDb
The intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys Leo and Remi suddenly gets disrupted. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie, Rémi’s mother. “Close” is a… Read allThe intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys Leo and Remi suddenly gets disrupted. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie, Rémi’s mother. “Close” is a film about friendship and responsibility.The intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys Leo and Remi suddenly gets disrupted. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie, Rémi’s mother. “Close” is a film about friendship and responsibility.
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Close (2022) | Rotten Tomatoes
So moving for a majority of its runtime that not even a manipulative ending can ruin the experience,Closeis a tender and powerfully acted look at childhood innocence lost.
CloseWhere to WatchClose
Watch Close with a subscription on Paramount+, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.
What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew
Lukas DhontDirectorEden DambrineLéoGustav De WaeleRémiÉmilie DequenneSophieLéa DruckerNathalieKevin JanssensActor
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Close | Official Trailer HD | A24 - YouTube
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'Close' Review: A Beautifully Understated Belgian Buddy Story - Variety
Few of us are fortunate enough to have a friendship as intimate and effortless as the one shared by 13-year-old Belgian boys Leo (Eden Dambrine) and Remi (Gustav De Waele) in “Close.” That connection, and the responsibility that comes with it, is at the heart of Lukas Dhont’s sophomore feature, so subtle and sensitive in the first half, so devastatingly false from its tragic twist on. This beautifully evocative film, which hails from an openly queer director, offers as pure a portrait of innocent, innocuous same-sex affection as we’ve ever encountered on film. And then it becomes something incredibly, unwelcomely different.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
Movie Title: Close
Plot Summary:
“Close” is a poignant movie that follows the deep bond between two small-town Belgian boys, Léo and Rémi, who are inseparable friends. The film beautifully captures their innocent and pure friendship as they navigate the challenges of growing up together in a rural setting.
Characters:
Léo, portrayed by Eden Dambrine, is shown to adore Rémi and his family, especially his mother Sophie, with a sense of admiration and affection that transcends mere friendship. Rémi, played by Gustav de Waele, reciprocates this deep bond, creating a sense of unity between their two families as well.
Themes:
The movie subtly explores themes of friendship, innocence, and the impact of societal expectations on young individuals. It delves into the concept of heteronormativity and how external pressures can strain even the strongest relationships.
Key Moments:
One pivotal plot development in the movie involves the intrusion of homophobic attitudes from their peers at school, leading to questions and abuse directed at Léo and Rémi. This external pressure causes a shift in their dynamic, with Léo distancing himself from Rémi to fit in with a new peer group centered around ice hockey.
Director’s Style:
Director Lukas Dhont infuses the film with a naturalistic quality reminiscent of Terrence Malick, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant narrative. The way Dhont portrays the boys’ relationship and the evolving dynamics between them and their families is both heartfelt and thought-provoking.
Ending:
[Spoiler Alert] The movie culminates in a heartbreaking realization as Léo’s actions driven by societal pressures lead to a rift between him and Rémi. The film poignantly captures the loss of innocence and the impact of external prejudices on their once unbreakable bond, leaving viewers with a sense of reflection and contemplation.
Overall Impression:
“Close” is a visually striking and emotionally charged film that delves into the complexities of friendship, societal expectations, and the fragility of innocence. The stellar performances by the cast, especially Dambrine and de Waele, coupled with Dhont’s masterful direction, make it a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating:
“Close” has been rated PG-13 for intense thematic content involving friendship and responsibility, some language, and brief violence.
Parental Guide:
Parents should consider the following content in “Close” when deciding if it is appropriate for their children:
- Sex & Nudity: The movie contains no explicit sexual content or nudity.
- Violence & Gore: There are scenes of brief violence, including a disruption in the friendship between the two main characters and some intense thematic content.
- Profanity: Some language is present throughout the film.
- Other: The movie deals with themes of friendship, growing up, social conditioning, and peer pressure, which may require parental guidance and discussion.
Overall, “Close” is a coming-of-age drama that explores the complexities of friendship and responsibility, suitable for mature audiences, particularly teenagers and young adults.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| fuboTV | Available to stream on fuboTV |
| Paramount+ with Showtime | Available to stream on Paramount+ with Showtime |
| Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel | Available to stream on Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel |
| Paramount+ Amazon Channel | Available to stream on Paramount+ Amazon Channel |
| Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel | Available to stream on Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel |
| Hoopla | Available to stream on Hoopla |
| Showtime Apple TV Channel | Available to stream on Showtime Apple TV Channel |
| Apple TV | Available to stream on Apple TV |
| Amazon Video | Available to buy on Amazon Video, and rent on Amazon Video |
| Google Play Movies | Available to buy and rent on Google Play Movies |
| YouTube | Available to rent on YouTube, and buy on YouTube |
| Vudu | Available to rent on Vudu, and buy on Vudu |
| Microsoft Store | Available to rent on Microsoft Store, and buy on Microsoft Store |
❝ Quotes and Cult
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🤖Close Reddit Talks
Close: A Powerful Exploration of Queer Youth and the Devastating Impact of Societal Norms
Close, a Belgian film that premiered at Cannes and won the Grand Prix, is an extraordinarily moving exploration of queer youth and the profound impact of societal norms on their lives.
The Story of Close
Close tells the story of two 13-year-old boys, Léo and Rémi, whose close friendship is abruptly shattered when their classmates begin to question their bond. As the pressure to conform intensifies, Léo distances himself from Rémi, leading to devastating consequences.
LGBT Themes and Representation
Close has been widely praised for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of queer youth. The film does not explicitly label Léo and Rémi as gay, but their close bond and the way they are perceived by others clearly suggest that they are exploring their sexuality.
This exploration is met with resistance from their peers, who view their friendship as strange and unacceptable. Léo, in particular, struggles with the fear of being labeled and the pressure to conform.
Emotional Impact and Critical Acclaim
Close has received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and stunning performances, particularly from Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele, who play Léo and Rémi, respectively.
The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the complexities of adolescence, the pain of rejection, and the devastating consequences of societal homophobia.
Controversy and Backlash
Despite its critical success, Close has also drawn some controversy. Some transgender people have criticized the film for its portrayal of a transgender ballerina, which they argue perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Others have argued that the film’s focus on the negative consequences of societal homophobia overshadows the positive aspects of queer youth experience.
Conclusion
Close is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on the challenges faced by queer youth in a society that often marginalizes and excludes them. The film’s sensitive portrayal of friendship, love, and loss has resonated with audiences worldwide, sparking important conversations about the need for greater acceptance and understanding.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/10zapd7/official_discussion_close_spoilers/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueFilm/comments/11o43gs/close_2022_is_a_tender_and_gutwrenching/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/emotionalneglect/comments/180n393/the_movie_close/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/A24/comments/xns7pt/close_2022/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/14redcu/my_review_and_discussion_of_close_2022_from_lukas/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the movie Close based on a true story?
The film has a close, real-life parallel to Lukas Dhont’s own life where he had a similar friendship with another boy during his youth, which was also scrutinized for its nature.
Is the movie Close a good movie?
Evaluated purely on a craft level, “Close” is praised for its remarkable performances and imagery. However, some viewers might find the handling of emotionally intense themes to be a point of concern.
What happened to Remi in the movie Close?
In the movie Close, Remi tragically takes his own life after being absent from school, leading to emotional turmoil for his friend Leo who feels responsible for his death.
What is the plot of the film Close?
Close follows the story of two teenage boys whose close friendship faces challenges when their intimacy is noticed by others, causing a rift between them.
Why did Remi lock himself in the bathroom?
Remi locks himself in the bathroom following a conflict with his friend, reflecting deeper emotional issues that concern his mother about his well-being.
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