Like pictures that are worth thousands of words... Close is a sublimely subtle film exploring the beautiful agony and the frightening intimacy of special friendships. Rather than dialog heavy diatribes and saccharine speeches, the film unfolds before us like a bitter flower blooming. The 30-second courtyard fight alone is some of the most emotionally drenched filmmaking I've seen this year. I won't go into the story, because putting words on it breaks the spell that the images cast. I will say, however, that Lukas Dohnt's approach to the film reminded me of Dolan's Mommy -- not thematically, of course, but in it's capacity to get straight to the heart of the matter with the blade of discretion.

Well, that was an emotional roller-coaster of a movie. I genuinely cannot tell you the last time I cried so much watching a film. (Note - The following contains spoilers, so if the spoiler tags don't appear, then don't read if you haven't seen it). [spoiler]The opening as you see and witness the true friendship of these two young boys, clearly having grown up together and become so close, like they were brothers. Spending so much time together, their clear love for each other. The epitome of childhood friendship and their bond together. It was simply adorable. I am sure we can all link our own experiences as young children, we all had that one special friend who you always had at your side, and things would never change .. but they do.[/spoiler] [spoiler]As they did here. Moving to their new school, getting teased about their closeness, and it not wanting to define who Leo was, he starts pushing Remi away - you can clearly see the inner turmoil working overtime for both of them, and the school playground scene, whilst short, is ultimately where things all changed. Remi couldn't bottle things in anymore and had his release. It was a very emotional scene which really tugged at the heart. [/spoiler] [spoiler]What followed was the unfolding of grief, anger, denial, and Leo believing he was responsible for what happened and I genuinely feel his heart was broken and would do anything to turn back the clock to make things different. [/spoiler] [spoiler]Leo throws himself into his Ice Hockey, and seemingly deliberately breaks his arm, sobbing uncontrollably whilst having is plastered at the hospital. like this he's able to cry and release himself from the guilt and hurt he is feeling, a truly poignant moment. Will Leo ever let go of how he feels, I certainly hope so.[/spoiler] [spoiler]I honestly felt so emotionally attached to both Leo & Remi, just wanting them to be happy and for that bond to be broken in the cruel way it was, I just felt so sorry for them both. Distraught even. I wanted to give Leo a hug and tell him it was all ok.[/spoiler] Just a "must watch" movie. Wonderfully written. Wonderfully case. Wonderfully executed. Worthy of every accolade you can throw at it.

Well that film broke me internally. Damn you manipulative string music!!! I made noises I didn't know I could make. Seriously though it's a must watch. The Directing here by Lukas Dhont is absolutely formidable, he has got an absolute worldy performance from young Eden Dambrine. A very close friendship between two thirteen-year old boys Leo and Remi gets tested to the limit. It's almost unreviewable due to spoiler risks. Cry tally : 6

Very well acted by the young protagonist. The film could have been a little shorter in my opinion. A few ice hockey fragments less would have been fine. Still a very good movie though.