directed by Lukas Dhont
It took me some years to finally see this film and I’m angry with myself that I didn’t decide to see it earlier. So please, don’t make the same mistake as me and check it out as soon as possible. Because such productions should be praised and remembered. We are taken to Belgium where we meet two best friends, Léo and Rémi (Eden Dambrine & Gustav De Waele). They are both 13 years old and their bond is extraordinarily strong. At some point, their schoolmates start asking questions whether those two are also a romantic couple, because they are so protective and close to each other. Rémi doesn’t seem to be bothered by such rumours, but Léo starts feeling uncomfortable, because he doesn’t want to be seen as a gay person. Not because he doesn’t care about Rémi, but because he knows that they would be ostracised by others. Therefore, feeling pressure from his peers, Léo begins to push away his best friend, doesn’t want to spend that much time with him anymore, doesn’t want to be seen with him that often etc. One day, their class goes to a school trip, but Rémi doesn’t join them. After the trip, everything changes in their lives, which is for you to see yourselves. If I may just say it – this is the most emotional affection story I’ve seen in a long time. And to me, it shows what a deep relation is all about. Both boys started as friends, but they didn’t just share hobbies. At some point, they realised how much they mean to each other. They were making sure the other one is safe, feels comfortably, doesn’t get excluded and knows they can always ask for help. And since they both shared the same feelings, something more started to grow between them. In my opinion, their relation is an example of a very healthy process of becoming a strong couple. I’ve always believed that great lovers should firstly be great friends. That being a couple is not about kissing, having sex and saying “I love you”, but also about being present and responsive. The film also shows how something very strong and natural (the connection between boys) may be destroyed by people, who simply don’t understand it. Léo wouldn’t push away Rémi if he didn’t feel indirectly attacked by his peers. If only they were let to be who they want to be to each other, perhaps the ending would be different. I felt absolutely touched by the story and despite everything, I find the boys’ relation inspiring. So I hope you’ll watch this drama and get inspired as well.
My rating: 7/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 