With some films, you’re not quite sure whether you’d rather watch them in the cinema or at home, alone on the couch. With Close, there are arguments for both variants. The most important question in this emotionally devastating drama is: do you have a problem crying in public?
The drama about an extraordinary boy friendship by Belgian director Lukas Dhont is on in German cinemas from January 26, 2023 and is not only visually interesting but also emotionally overwhelming. Why is the film absolutely worthwhile and why is a cinema experience particularly intense in this case? I’ll tell you.
That’s what the emotional youth drama Close is about
Close is about one extraordinary boy friendship between two 13 year olds. Léo (Eden Dambrine) and Rémi (Gustav De Waele) have been best friends for as long as they can remember. They share everything with each other, understand each other better than anyone else in the world and if one of them can’t fall asleep because the thoughts are spinning too much in his head, the other one calms him down and they fall asleep tightly hugged.
Whether this is purely friendly or romantic between them is left unsaid. Until Léo and Rémi go to a new school and are teased about their close bond and bullied about their sexuality. Léo wants from the other guys who are always just about sports and never talk about feelings, but must be taken seriously. So he pushes Rémi further and further away from him – until he finally loses his friend irretrievably and somehow has to deal with the huge hole in his heart.
Close is a cinematic punch to the pit of the stomach – and makes cinemas sob loudly
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Nothing can separate Rémi and Léo – at least they think so
Close has powerful imagery and impressive acting – particularly from the two teenage protagonists. The film is dedicated elementary questions about grief and guiltthat you never want to face yourself, while being equal parts subtle and over-the-top. A rush of images and emotions that doesn’t do everything right, but creates something that other films that are possibly better structured and told through don’t always achieve: the audience on the brink of an emotional breakdown bring.
When the film was first shown to an audience at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, the sobbing in the hall became part of the soundtrack. Dozens wiped tears from their eyes on the way out. At the awards ceremony at the end of the festival, Close shared the prestigious Grand Jury Prize with Stars At Noon. This week added an Oscar nomination for Best International Film.
Close is a special film about a broken friendship and a broken life. Not a film for everyone – but that’s exactly why it’s like this intensive, special and definitely worth seeing.
Podcast Home Theater Preview: The Biggest Streaming Movies of 2023
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2023 will be an exciting year in streaming. Not only are countless new series and seasons awaiting us Netflix, Amazon and Co. also have some interesting films at the start. We present 10 pieces to you in more detail in this issue of Streamgegefuehl – from great sci-fi blockbuster to the next potential Oscar nominee.
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