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“If you’re used to seeing gritty Belgian childhoods through the eyes of the Dardenne brothers, Belgian director Lukas Dhont flips you around with scenes of beauty and wealth. Leo, whose parents own a flower farm, spends happy hours running through fields of bright blossoms. Rémi, who lives nearby in a house that’s half glass, is the featured clarinetist in the local young people’s orchestra.

“The film has appealing stars and emotive power. I was pleased that it did not go in the direction I expected. However, an over-reliance on music to create emotional resonance, and overdone sound design, distract. In later scenes, I could practically hear Dhont directing his lead: now look at me, now look away, now look at me again…. Ultimately, a half hour too long. 3 cats.”

Chris says: “Well, this Belgian film nearly wrecked me, more so than if I had known what was coming. Although not particularly light on dialogue, so much here is communicated through facial expressions and pauses in conversations. Explores the intensity of burgeoning adolescence in a way I haven’t seen done before. Strong direction and a powerful lead performance. 4.5 cats

“(Available to rent in the usual places and streaming on Hoopla.)”