REVIEW Close – the Belgian Oscar film you either hate or love: there’s no middle ground

Close is a Belgian-Dutch co-production film that was lucky enough to be in the running for Best Foreign Language Film at this year’s Academy Awards.

Wanting to steal a bit of a start, I did my best to watch, in turn, this film that almost everyone “good” was praising, and which ultimately made it into the Oscars.

However, not being very convinced that the Oscars are a criterion, although they are supposed to be, I wanted to see for myself “for myself” – which I did, by the way.

Close, a film very reminiscent of Banshees of Inisherin, only it’s taken in a slightly niche direction

Like After Sun, this isn’t necessarily a film for everyone, since we’re not talking Avatar: The Way of Water or Top Gun: Maverick.

However, I would note a certain similarity in script to The Banshees of Inisherin, only reportedly with two minor actors who, to some extent, also find themselves in an impossible situation, just one that goes in a direction that some might consider constricted.

And while I’m on the subject, I almost realize why the film might not appeal to some who are used to living classically, or rather “traditionally”.

Even so, if you’re in the category of people willing to open their minds to every opportunity, Close will move you to tears and leave a void in your soul about as big as After Sun or The Banshees of Inisherin.

The film comes from director Lukas Dhont and stars Eden Dambrine (Leo) and Gustav De Waele (Remi).

The two little actors act so well that you can have moments where you forget they’re children. Certainly, at least we’ll be hearing more about Eden Dambrine in the future.