Close: A Cinematic Odyssey of Boyhood, Grief, and Societal Norms

By Lakshmi Divya Dasamantharao

I recently watched a movie called “Close” by Ivan Dhonte, a director and screenwriter from Belgium. The theme of the story revolves around the concept of male friendship and how men are expected to behave in society.The movie is emotionally draining, and it will prompt you to contemplate the subject matter. The actors in the film have done an amazing job portraying their respective characters.The main lead, played by Eden Dambrine, can be described as the boy who speaks more with his eyes than with words and mouth. He has done an extremely commendable job, especially considering it’s his first acting experience.The captivating performance of this young actor, coupled with his enchanting blue eyes, has truly won my admiration. The story revolves around two lifelong male best friends, Remi and Leo. Growing up together since childhood, their families share a close bond, often meeting for dinners. Sophie, Remi’s mother, cherishes Leo as if he were her own child. 

The narrative unfolds in the flower fields owned by Leo’s father, where Remi and Leo play joyfully, reveling in the carefree days of childhood.after a summer break filled with excitement, the tale continues to portray Leo and Remi as unwavering friends. Unaffected by societal norms, they openly express affection by holding hands, resting on each other’s backs, and sharing moments like sleepovers at Remi’s place. The story authentically captures the essence of their  friendship.

Everything goes smoothly until one day, a classmate questions Leo and Remi about their relationship due to their close bond. Remi clarifies that they are good friends, while Leo emphasizes their brotherly closeness.However, the atmosphere shifts when Leo, troubled by the incident, starts distancing himself from Remi. Leo immerses himself in ice hockey and basketball, possibly to assert his masculinity and uphold a certain image among his male peers.As Leo withdraws, Remi attempts to maintain their friendship by supporting him at an ice hockey coaching session. Unfortunately, Leo is visibly unhappy about Remi’s presence, frowning and questioning why he has come. This moment highlights Leo’s discomfort with Remi’s unexpected support, possibly due to societal expectations and peer dynamics.

The story unfolds with Leo attempting to make new friends and discontinuing nightovers at Remi’s place. Remi, distressed by the situation, confronts Leo about his changed behavior, but Leo dismissively claims nothing is wrong.

 The narrative takes a tragic turn when Remi, overwhelmed by the emotional turmoil, takes his own life. Leo is left with an enduring sense of guilt.Despite Leo’s efforts to move on, the weight of guilt remains palpable. This is evident when he attends a musician recital, a place where Remi used to perform before his death. Leo’s attempts to engage with Sophie, Remi’s mother, are met with minimal conversation, emphasizing the lingering impact of the tragedy on Leo’s emotional state.As the movie approaches its climax, Leo finally releases his guilt by opening up to Sophia in her car on their way home. Tearfully, he confesses that Remi’s demise is a result of his actions. Sophia, overcome with grief, instructs Leo to leave the car. The scene transitions to Leo running, sobbing, and arming himself with a stick, fearing that Sophia might harm him.In a poignant moment, Sophia approaches Leo, noticing the stick, and wears a sad smile. She moves forward slowly, and as she sees the stick, her expression changes. Instead of violence, she embraces Leo, signifying acceptance. The scene unfolds with Leo and Sophia sharing a heartfelt hug, both crying and mourning the loss of Remi, someone they both cherished deeply.

The film introduces an ambiguous connection between Leo and Remi, with tensions arising due to homophobic teasing from their classmates, causing a noticeable distance between the two characters, This also navigates us through the themes of boyhood and friendship Most of the movie’s plot rests on Léo’s grief, regret and guilt after losing his best friend. In the climax, Leo admits feeling responsible for someone’s death, and Remi’s mother embraces him, highlighting forgiveness. The film also depicts the fragility of human emotions and the influence of societal norms on behavior. While well-executed, some feel Remi’s character could have been more developed. His sudden death lacks clarity about which of Leo’s statements hurt him most. Some critics suggest a potential romantic angle between Remi and Leo, but it’s not explicitly shown in the film, leaving room for interpretation.

The movie delves into how people cope with losing loved ones, showcasing diverse expressions of grief influenced by the relationship with the deceased. It also addresses the impact of homophobic teasing on one’s psyche, highlighting the tragic aftermath it can lead to. While the film mostly revolves around Leo’s experiences of grief, regret, and guilt, it communicates the idea that human emotions are akin to a caged bird, either trained or expected to behave in specific ways to fit in or achieve freedom.