Inside the confines of a juvenile detention center, Zeno Graton's daring debut unveils a poignant love story. Joe, brilliantly portrayed by Khalil Ben Gharbia, faces prison after numerous escape attempts. The arrival of William, rule-breaker extraordinaire played by Julien De Saint Jean, sparks an emotional awakening in Joe. Amidst the dehumanizing orange uniforms, their connection blossoms into a clandestine refuge, defying the system. The film resonates with red-hot passion and tenderness, portraying the intimate struggle against rules and surveillance. Oppressive shots capture the airless prison atmosphere, emphasizing the pressing closeness of their forbidden love. The night scenes, reminiscent of Jean Genet's classic queer short "Un Chant d'Amour," beautifully echo the constraints of their surroundings. While the conflict in Joe and William's relationship leans towards the Sad Gay trope, it gains complexity through Joe's recurring escape attempts fueled by his love for William. The film explores the institutionalization of affection in the harsh context of youthful romance within the detention center. THE LOST BOYS hints at the ephemeral nature of their love, a fleeting escape within the confines of their temporary incarceration, offering a nuanced portrayal of the intertwining of love and confinement.

Keywords

• Belgian cinema
• Belgium
• Berlinale
• Best first feature
• Cine-Short: 90 Minutes of cinema
• First Love
• LGBTQIA+
• Queer Romance
• Teddy Awards
• prison
• queer
• teen

Actors

• Khalil Ben Gharbia
• Julien de Saint Jean
• Eye Haïdara
• Jonathan Couzinié
• Samuel Di Napoli

Director

• Zeno Graton