Close
dir. Lukas Dhont · 2022
The experience of growing up is marked by the complexities of friendship and the challenges of understanding loss.
Feature
Coming of Age
Mood
Melancholic / Contemplative
Look
intimate close-ups, natural light, evocative rural landscapes
Structure
linear with emotional flashpoints
Plot
Two 13-year-old boys spend an idyllic summer together, but their connection is put to the test when they become the subject of speculation at school.
Why watch
"Close" invites viewers into the tender yet turbulent world of childhood friendships, where innocent summer days collide with the harsh realities of societal expectations. This beautifully crafted coming-of-age drama explores the emotional fragility of adolescence, making it a compelling watch for anyone who has navigated the complexities of growing up.
Cultural context
exploration of male friendshipsocietal pressures on youthLGBTQ+ themes in adolescencethe transition from childhood to adulthood