Close is an undeniably devastating but profoundly necessary film. It serves as a gentle reminder of the pure, unfiltered love children are capable of before the rigid walls of societal norms are forced upon them. It is a masterpiece of modern Belgian cinema that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

The film acts as a heartbreaking examination of how societal expectations of masculinity systematically dismantle emotional intimacy between young boys.

Dhont relies heavily on expressive close-ups, body language, and silence to convey massive, complex emotional shifts rather than over-explaining them through script. 🏆 Critical Reception and Accolades

Won the prestigious runner-up prize at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.