By Bernardo Moreno
Once again, working with Angelo Tijssens on the script, this is the second coming-of-age film by Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont. We see the director’s constant concern about queer issues during adolescence. First was “Girl,” which is the story of a transsexual girl, and now “Close,” about the relationship between two boys.
This second feature film centers on the cultivation of a friendship in a Belgian village that grows flowers. We see the fraternal, open, sweet, affectionate, friendship between two boys. The story shows us a bond free of corruption and filled with love as they face a new phase in school at the ages of 13.
Leo is concerned that his teammates think they are a couple, that they are gay. Remi does not care what they say about them at school, the most important thing for him is friendship. Remi has a naturalness in his loving, careful, and above all, tender treatment of Leo. This is a deep and indestructible bond that he has with his friend. Leo puts some distance from Remi due to the natural insecurity of a boy growing and learning at the same time. He joins the hockey team at school and seems to be looking for his manhood or at least looking like it. Remi continues playing the oboe and looking for Leo in hockey, hurt by Leo’s new attitude.
The nights spent together begin to disappear. Cycling to and from school doesn’t happen as often. Games in flower fields are of less and less interest to Leo. The friendship is disrupted and is no longer shared equally. In the field the flowers are harvested, and the horizon has become monochromatic. Remi makes a decision and Leo tries to understand what has happened and how much of it is his fault. We peer with the characters through the translucent veil of sadness and hopeless loss. Remi’s mom realizes something has happened between them but what? Planting begins in the field’s eternal cycle, and they plant bulbs that will eventually become beautiful flowers.
This is a film where images are charged with emotions, the performances are excellent, the direction is intentionally ambiguous, and the feelings are sincere. “Close” was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.
You can see it on Mubi.
