

Two 13-year-old boys spend an idyllic summer together, but their connection is put to the test when they become the subject of speculation at school.
Acting
Eden Dambrine's face holds entire novels.
Cinematography
Sun-drenched childhood that curdles into nightmare.
Direction
Dhont's invasive close-ups refuse comfort.

Director
Lukas Dhont
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Lost the Palme d'Or by one vote to 'Triangle of Sadness'—jury president Spike Lee accidentally announced it early. Dhont became the youngest Belgian director in competition history at 30.
The title's triple meaning: 'close' as intimate, as ending, and as the French 'clos'—hidden, closeted. Dhont filmed in chronological order so the boys' real friendship would mirror their characters' arc.