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AroView: Another closely-observed Belgian drama from the NZIF2022 that, along with “Playground”, explores a traumatic rite-of-passage. Here the protagonists are adolescents who share an intense friendship, but one that is cut short before it might have developed into anything more.

Dir. Lukas Dhont made a splash with the trans drama “Girl” (2018) and here casts a similarly delicate and compassionate queer-eye over this semi-autobiographical one, a co-winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2022.

“Direction of uncommon sensitivity from Dhont makes for a picture which is intimate in scope but which packs a considerable emotional wallop.” ~Wendy Ide, Screen Daily

“Guileless performances, understated direction and bucolic Belgian scenery combine to create a quiet gem of a film.” ~Neil Smith, Total Film