Close

Close follows two 13 year olds who spend a sun drenched summer chasing play and small discoveries. Léo and Rémi drift through long afternoons by the river, trading jokes, sharing secrets, and building a bond that feels effortless and exact. The days glow with ordinary rituals and the simple, unforced rhythm of childhood. But as the season deepens, whispers begin to spread at school, questions about how close they really are and what their closeness might mean to others. The rumor mill makes the line between friendship and something more increasingly fragile, and the boys must reckon with eyes that read every gesture. The film examines how a single season can test trust, loyalty, and honesty.

Directed by Lukas Dhont and Angelo Tijssens, Close is an original screenplay produced in Belgium that premiered in 2022. It centers on quiet, intimate performances and a restrained, observational approach that favors mood over melodrama, earning praise for its craftsmanship and sensitivity.

Critics praised the film for its restrained, intimate approach and the chemistry between the two young leads. It treats adolescence, rumor, and belonging with care, focusing on what is left unsaid rather than what is loudly dramatized. The storytelling invites empathy without easy answers.

Close has sparked conversations about LGBTQ representation in European cinema and the fragility of teenage friendships under social scrutiny. Its quiet honesty and open portrayal of identity have resonated with audiences who crave films that address sensitive subjects without sensationalism.

Worldwide box office totals around 3.13 million dollars. While modest, the numbers reflect a film that found resonance with audiences and critics through its humane storytelling, strong performances, and the willingness to let a difficult subject breathe.