The Lost Boys

The Lost Boys is Belgian director Zeno Graton’s first feature film. Set in Belgium, this coming-of-age movie explores the substantial themes of freedom, sexuality and morality.

We are introduced to the agitated Joe, who escapes his youth detention centre to go to the seaside, jeopardising his chances of being finally released to the outside world. The centre is fraught with angst as you might expect, with an underlying tension that is entrancingly portrayed by actors Khalil Ben Garbia and Julien De Saint Jean. When William (played by De Saint Jean) arrives at the facility, the pair embark on a tense but tender relationship, fuelled by the claustrophobic conditions in which they have both found themselves.

It is hard not to empathise greatly with all of the young men who occupy the prison, and the film does a fantastic job of conveying the complex issues surrounding youth who get caught up in the world of crime. The characters are sensitively executed, with satisfying layers and raw emotion.

The desire Joe and William have for each other is hypnotic, and there are no tired tropes around homophobia in terms of how others perceive the relationship. The feature tells William and Joe’s story with love and understanding, although the crimes they have both committed are not victimless. Both have had their fair share of hardship, which explains their often erratic behaviour.

A sort of ultimatum arises: is it better to stay with the one you love or ensure your freedom? When it comes down to it, which is worth more, and can you really compare them after all?

This is a wonderfully shot debut to be proud of, which shows a deep and intricate understanding of human relationships. It nicely follows the success of 2023’s earlier queer coming-of-age film Close, from another talented Belgian director, Lucas Dhont, whose fans will no doubt enjoy The Lost Boys.

Hannah Broughton

The Lost Boys is released in select cinemas on 15^th December 2023.

Watch the trailer for The Lost Boys here: