Close

Set against the lush, sun-drenched flower fields of rural Belgium, Close follows Léo and Rémi, two thirteen-year-olds whose bond is characterized by a deep, tactile intimacy. They spend their summer days running through dahlias and their nights whispering secrets in a shared bed, existing in a world that feels untouched by external judgment. Their relationship is a sanctuary of unfiltered affection and mutual understanding.

The transition to secondary school, however, brings the harsh glare of social scrutiny. When classmates begin to question the nature of their closeness with homophobic teasing and rigid labels, Léo becomes increasingly self-conscious. Fearing ostracization, he begins to distance himself from Rémi, seeking refuge in the hyper-masculine world of ice hockey and new peer groups. This withdrawal creates a painful rift that leads to an unforeseen and devastating tragedy, forcing Léo to confront the crushing weight of guilt and the complexities of grief.

The core of the film is a profound critique of gender policing and the "epidemic of loneliness" among young men. Director Lukas Dhont explores how society systematically dismantles the emotional literacy of boys, teaching them that intimacy and vulnerability are weaknesses or signs of an identity they must fear. Through the tragedy of Léo and Rémi, the film argues that the enforcement of heteronormative standards robs children of their capacity for deep connection, suggesting that the true tragedy isn't the presence of a specific label, but the loss of the freedom to love without one.

Audience interpretations of Close often fall into two distinct camps. The Queer Reading suggests that the boys were experiencing an early, unspoken romantic attraction, and the tragedy stems from the violent suppression of that identity. In this view, Rémi's despair is a direct result of being 'closeted' by Léo's rejection. Conversely, the Universal Friendship Reading argues that the film is about the 'murder' of platonic intimacy. This perspective suggests that by making the story about sexuality, we are falling into the same trap as the bullies in the film—refusing to allow boys to have a deep, non-sexual physical bond. Director Lukas Dhont has stated that both readings are valid, as the film is ultimately about the fear of the label rather than the label itself.

Close had a significant cultural impact upon its release, winning the Grand Prix at Cannes and sparking global conversations about emotional literacy in boys. Critics hailed it as a masterpiece of empathy, though it also faced some controversy. Some viewers debated whether the film's refusal to explicitly label the boys' sexuality was an act of 'queer erasure' or a radical defense of unlabelled childhood intimacy. Regardless, it has become a touchstone for discussions on the toxic ways masculinity is socialized in modern society, influencing how educators and parents think about boys' friendships.

The film received widespread critical acclaim, currently holding a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences were particularly moved by the naturalistic performances of the two young leads, often noting that it didn't feel like 'acting.' However, a segment of the audience found the film's shift into tragedy in the second half to be excessively manipulative or 'misery porn.' Despite this, the consensus remains that Close is a devastatingly effective emotional experience that lingers long after the credits roll.