Támogatóink
The Fragility of Innocence: An Analysis of Lukas Dhont’s "Close"
In conclusion, Close is more than just a coming-of-age story; it is a critique of a society that teaches young men to fear tenderness. By the time the credits roll, the film leaves the audience with a haunting reminder of the cost of conformity and the enduring importance of allowing oneself to be truly seen by another.
Lukas Dhont’s 2022 film Close is a devastatingly beautiful exploration of the transition from the boundless intimacy of childhood to the rigid social structures of adolescence. Through the story of two thirteen-year-old boys, Léo and Rémi, the film examines how societal expectations regarding masculinity can fracture the most profound human connections.
This withdrawal is the film’s central tragedy. To prove his masculinity, Léo adopts a persona of toughness, joining the ice hockey team and intentionally distancing himself from the sensitive, artistic Rémi. The "closeness" that once defined them becomes a source of shame for Léo and a source of profound, silent suffering for Rémi. Dhont masterfully uses tight framing and lingering close-ups to capture the internal shifts in the boys’ emotions, making the audience feel the weight of every avoided glance.