(2023, 83 min)
Country: Belgium, France
Director: Zeno Graton
Studio: Tarantula, Silex, Menuetto Film, Dark Star Pictures
Language: French w/subtitles
SYNOPSIS: The Lost Boys (2023) is a film directed by Zeno Graton. The story revolves around Joe, who is in a youth correctional facility preparing for his return to society, but his life changes when he meets William, leading to a forbidden romance in a place where physical contact is prohibited.
REVIEW:
The Lost Boys (Le Paradis) is a gay romantic drama about two incarcerated youth who fall in love.
Joe (Khalil Ben Gharbia) is a troubled teen being held in a juvenile detention center. Much of his time is spent in the woodshop, where he practices skills to help him get employment when he leaves. Unlike the other inmates, he doesn’t get visitors, and nobody tries to contact him. He’s alone and often keeps to himself.
Although he’s close to earning his freedom, he often does things that land him in trouble and lesson his chances for parole. It isn’t until a new inmate arrives, William (Julien De Saint Jean), that he meets someone he can connect with emotionally and physically. And as they grow close, Joe begins to see the possibility of a life outside of the detention center.
Some Thoughts:
The Lost Boys is full of mood and atmosphere. The sense of isolation is pervasive and adds to Gharbia’s portrayal of a troubled, reclusive teenager. Gharbia’s depiction rings true, making it easy to sympathize with Joe and understand the reasons for his poor choices. It also makes his interest in William all the more realistic.
The acting throughout is excellent, and Gharbia and De Saint Jean work well together. Both actors embody their characters, which, combined with the atmosphere of the film, draws the viewer into the drama.
Since The Lost Boys relies more on mood than plot, it never delves into Joe and William’s past. We don’t know why Joe is in the detention center, just that he comes from a troubled family. Meanwhile, it’s rumored that William killed somebody, but this is never confirmed. While the vague reasons for them being in the detention center doesn’t ruin the movie–nor is it integral to the story–I did wonder about it more than once.
The Final Verdict:
The Lost Boys is the perfect film for those who like a moody and brooding romance. The acting, pacing, and visuals will pull you in and hold your interest.
--—Review by Kinky Boots, The Rectangular Review (https://rectangularview.com/)
