13-year-old Léo and Rémi are best friends, enjoying a tender and intense friendship as they make tentative steps towards early adulthood. The start of high school and growing self-consciousness towards their peers begins to see their relationship deteriorate, leading to devastating consequences. Dhont’s (Girl, 2019) sensitive direction captures the rawest emotions, from the boys’ luminous intimacy to Léo’s subsequent and intense grief, while an astute combination of non-professionals (incredible newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele) and well-known actors (Léa Drucker and Emilie Dequenne) give the film a rare energy and spontaneity.

Winner of the Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Close is a devastating tale of friendship and youthful masculinity.