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. In conclusion, Close is more than just a
The Fragility of Innocence: An Analysis of Lukas Dhont’s "Close" Through the story of two thirteen-year-old boys, Léo
The first act of the film establishes an idyllic, almost Edenic world. Léo and Rémi share a bond that transcends conventional labels; they are inseparable, spending their days playing in flower fields and their nights whispering in shared beds. Their intimacy is pure and unselfconscious. However, this world shatters upon their entry into secondary school. When classmates question the nature of their relationship, Léo—vulnerable to the pressure to "fit in"—begins to pull away. Their intimacy is pure and unselfconscious
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