Close

[It] not only invokes a common theme but represents an increasingly rare cinematic foray into the sort of complex and intentionally ambiguous material that may not play well at the box office but lingers with the viewer...

Builds upon the promise of 2018’s Girl, confirming Dhont as a deft and empathetic chronicler of the tumultuous anguish and ecstasy of adolescence.

An authentic study of loss, buttressed by two extraordinary child actors, and complemented by a handful of impeccable adult players, most notably Émilie Dequenne...

Dhont’s visuals are strong and sumptuous and he coaxes spellbindingly naturalistic performances from first-time actors Dambrine and De Waele, but a gulf in tone separates both halves of his film.

Dambrine’s performance is by some distance one of the most extraordinary by a child his age I’ve ever seen: tempered, tightly wound, as truthful as a flower.

If you find it cathartic to sob over well-drawn characters, this sad tale is within hugging distance of being an absolute joy.

The film deals with a level of intimacy, care and a subtle camera accompanying two young actors who really bring it all, with themes varying from innocence, bullying, friendship as first love, to guilt and grief. [Full review in Spanish]

Utterly gripping and wrenchingly sad.

Is Close the little film that could? On the bright side, it just very well might be.

...Dhont insists so deeply on the import of it all as to condemn anyone not willing to be led along.