Bruno, 20, and Sonia, 18, survive on her benefits and the petty crimes Bruno commits with his gang of young thieves. Their lives revolve around quick cash and the present moment—until Sonia gives birth to their son, Jimmy. Now, Bruno faces a question he's never considered: how can he become a father when his world is built on recklessness and survival?
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The gray tones and the sounds of biting wind in the film may feel harsh, even unsettling. Shot with documentary-style realism, the Dardenne brothers pull us in through raw, natural performances, subtle expressions, chemistries, and heightened ambient sound. Watch young Sonia closely as she walks anxiously with a new born in her arms. Her flapping short skirt isn't about sexuality. Rather, it is a visual cue for the fragile line she walks on, each day a step on thin ice. Meanwhile, Bruno, the immature father, often causes frustration. But now and again, he reveals flickers of hope—moments that hint at change and renewal. The film's mastery in handheld and body cam cinematography prove how these techniques can steer our emotions from one moment to the next. The camera may move roughly but embrace the dynamics that it brings. You may find yourself shedding tears of ambiguous emotion in the final scene. (LEE Jung-hyun | J Special: Programmer of the Year)
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Les Films du Fleuve | info@lesfilmsdufleuve.be
Jean-Pierre DARDENNE, Luc DARDENNE
