By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.25 cats
Director: Laura Wandel
Starring: Günter Duret | James Seguy | Lena Girard Voss | Maya Vanderbeque | Simon Caudry | Thao Maerten
Original language title: Un monde
Country: belgium
Year: 2022
Running time: 72
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11087960/reference/
Michael says: “This hard-hitting examination of how children learn the harsh realities of adulthood is a tough watch, but the astounding performance that director Wandel reveals by child-actor Maya Vanderbeque is riveting. Nora and her older brother Abel, go to the same elementary school, and when she witnesses Abel suffering terrifying abuse by other boys in the playground, she is traumatized. Uncertain who to turn to, from her teachers to her father, Nora must thread the needle between fearing for her brother’s safety, to bowing to his wishes to stay out of it. Abel’s bullying has ramifications that spill over to Nora beyond her anxiety, as her friends start to shun her for being connected to him. As the situation evolves, Nora makes decisions in the name of self-preservation that affect those around her, It’s a frightening and painful film made all the more challenging by its stark truths. 4 1/2 cats”
Chris says: “Dardennes Brothers, but you know, for kids and not one whit less gripping (or bleak.) 4 cats“