Close film review: Touching portrayal of a fracturing friendship

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Eden Dambrine, Emilie Dequenne and Gustav de Waele in Close (Photo: A24)

While Remi is unfazed by these questions, Leo becomes uneasy about people’s perception of him, resulting in him pulling back completely from Remi who struggles to understand what he’s done wrong to be shunned by his best friend.

Director Lukas Dhont and co-writer Angelo Tijssens deliver an impressively unfussy tale of love, rejection and then heartbreaking loss. It’s bolstered by two truly phenomenal central performances.

And as we hurtle towards the second act with its inevitable and truly heart-wrenching denouement, tragedy is often foreshadowed by Valentin Hadjadj’s meticulously executed score.

Dambrine and De Waele deliver two beautifully intricate performances in which they convey the complexities of young male friendship. Lea Druker puts in an effectively restrained turn as Leo’s mother.

With a hefty slice of realism and plenty of angst, Close captures every fleeting moment between the two boys with a great deal of tenderness and unassuming sensitivity.

But be warned. Take tissues and prepare to cry your eyes out.