Close
Two inseparable Belgian boys face the devastating consequences of shame, social pressure, and a friendship that cannot remain untouched by adolescence.
Overview
An exploration of the fragile bonds of youth and the weight of responsibility.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Extreme
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- tender
- melancholic
- intimate
- reflective evening
- arthouse film night
What critics said
Critics broadly acclaimed the film as a tender, powerfully acted, and visually sensitive portrait of childhood intimacy, adolescence, homophobia, and grief, while some found its emotional manipulation excessive.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Léo and Rémi share an unusually close childhood bond that becomes vulnerable to classmates' disparaging remarks and pressure surrounding their relationship.
The boys' carefree bicycle rides through flower fields and the film's warm natural lighting establish an idyllic atmosphere against later grief.
Classmates' comments and Léo's resulting withdrawal expose how social prejudice disrupts the boys' intimacy before either can fully articulate it.
After Rémi's disappearance and death, Léo struggles alongside Sophie to understand what happened and confront his own sense of responsibility.
Films like Close, and why
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
shares an intimate coming-of-age focus on adolescent identity, friendship, grief, and the pressures of social conformity
The Tree of Life
shares a tender, visually lyrical portrayal of childhood friendship disrupted by loss and emotional isolation
Tomboy
shares a naturalistic European coming-of-age drama centered on male intimacy, sexuality, and devastating emotional consequences
The Quiet Girl
shares a quiet, compassionate study of adolescence, parental grief, and the lasting effects of social prejudice
Movie Details
- Director
- Lukas Dhont
- Release Date
- 2022-11-01
- Runtime
- 104 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (1076)
Cast
- Eden Dambrine
- Gustav De Waele
- Émilie Dequenne
- Léa Drucker
- Igor van Dessel
- Kevin Janssens
- Marc Weiss
- Léon Bataille
- Serine Ayari
- Robin Keyaert
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Close about?
- Two inseparable Belgian boys face the devastating consequences of shame, social pressure, and a friendship that cannot remain untouched by adolescence.
- What is Close like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Close as measured, its intensity as extreme and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Close violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Close.
- What did critics think of Close?
- Critics broadly acclaimed the film as a tender, powerfully acted, and visually sensitive portrait of childhood intimacy, adolescence, homophobia, and grief, while some found its emotional manipulation excessive.
- Which films are like Close?
- Films with a similar feel include The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Tree of Life, Tomboy, and The Quiet Girl.
- How long is Close?
- Close runs 104 minutes.
- Where can I watch Close?
- In United States, Close is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
