Written and directed by Zeno Graton, co-written by Clara Bourreau and Maarten Loix, in a juvenile reform centre, a place governed by the prohibition of physical contact, Joe and William fall in love. To love each other, they will have to break the law. Starring: Khalil Ben Gharbia, Julien De Saint Jean, Eye Haidara, Jonathan Couzinié, Matéo Bastien, Samuel Di Napoli, Amine Hamidou and Nlandu Lubansu.
One of the interesting things about The Lost Boys is that having a reform centre setting gives the idea of something tumultuous or aggressive when Zeno Graton actually builds a strongly pensive and moving atmosphere. Those qualities of conflict and frustration are certainly a big part of the story but Graton, Borreau and Loix deal with them in a sensitive and gentle manner which is very compelling. Graton’s direction does a wonderful job of reflecting the larger emotional experience, rather than the rushed, hectic existence of youth.
Very quickly you can feel the weight of the story through its atmosphere and it leads you perfectly into the blossoming connection between Joe (Khalil Ben Gharbia) and William (Julien De Saint Jean). The writing somehow makes them feel thrown together but also that they have this immediate, natural connection, which works really well to provide a quickness to the progression and pacing. Creating a strong relationship within such a short amount of time is not an easy task but The Lost Boys achieves that. The writing and direction come together to encapsulate the confused, charged and abundant emotions and hormones of these young men, finding themselves off a beaten path but also portraying that they are kind, sweet souls.
Of course, a lot of that is thanks to the terrific performances from the two talented young actors leading the way, Khalil Ben Gharbia and Julien De Saint Jean. Alone, they give strong performances of smart, caring people who simply don’t have the support or outlets that they need to stay out of trouble. Together, they bring out the best in one another and maybe a little of the worst, skirting the rules to embrace their burgeoning romance, finding connection in a cold institute. They have excellent chemistry, it’s big and insatiable but still holds a tenderness.
The Lost Boys is a thoughtful romance, two young men finding solace and hope in one another, and it’s surprisingly sweet. It’s charged with emotion, tension and hormones but always feels graceful, giving it an impressive weight and compelling nature. It’s led by two fantastic performances from Khalil Ben Gharbia and Julien De Saint Jean, actors you should definitely keep an eye on, as we’ll undoubtedly be seeing a lot more from them in the future.
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