Close - 1 nomination

 

Best International Feature Film

Belgium

Leo and Remi are the best of friends. They live at each others' houses, or really Leo practically lives at Remi's house. When they start at a new middle school, the other kids see how close they are and wonder if they are a romantic couple which they are not. Interestingly, I did not observe that the kids who asked this question did so with judgement, just curiosity. Remi doesn't think much of it but it really bothers Leo, and he begins to distance himself from Remi, and as he does, they both find their own sets of friends separate from each other (but not totally apart). This has a devastating impact on Remi and leads to terrible tragedy. Leo then struggles to find his path in the wake of the incident, and to find peace when he believes himself to be at fault for what happens with Remi. (trying my best not to do spoilers!)

This is a heartbreaking film and is the winner of my Hidden Gem award. (The Hidden Gem is a film I hadn't heard of or known about prior to being nominated but turns out to be one of my favorites of the Oscars season.) Eden Dambrine who plays Leo gives a performance that is on the level of any nominated actor or actress this year.  You have to see this one, but bring all the tissues.