The Lost Boys [Le Paradis] *** (2023, Khalil Ben Gharbia, Julien De Saint Jean, Eye Haïdara, Jonathan Couzinié) – Classic Movie Review 12,603

Free spirit Joe (Khalil Ben Gharbia) is getting ready for his release after six months in an open juvenile reform centre. But the arrival of William (Julien De Saint Jean) turns his desire for freedom into a different desire.

Co-writer/ director Zeno Graton’s 2023 Belgo-Français film The Lost Boys [Le Paradis] stars Khalil Ben Gharbia and Julien De Saint Jean. It is full of strong themes, powerful scenes and tremendous performances. It is crispy edited and fast moving, packing lots of characters, incidents and drama into just 80 minutes.

In an open youth correctional facility, free spirit Joe (Khalil Ben Gharbia) is preparing for his release after six asphyxiating months and his longed-for freedom and return to society. But the arrival of brooding William (Julien De Saint Jean) turns Joe’s desire for freedom into desire of another kind. In the juvenile reform centre, physical contact is prohibited, but Joe and William fall in love. Joe is advised that this kind of thing isn’t really suitable in the borstal, so it should wait till they are outside. But, trapped in the system, getting out is even more difficult than they thought. Meanwhile, they can give full attention to their artistic leanings, with art as a redemption from life, I guess.

Gharbia’s immersive performance is the main attraction, which is right as it is really his character’s story, but Saint Jean and Eye Haidara as the kindly reform centre officer Sophie are also excellent. There is plenty of food for thought, but Graton’s main thing is to keep his story moving in both ways. There are some very emotional moments, not least the conclusion. It is these that keep Le Paradis from being a depressing downer, the usual fate of prison movies and way too many gay love films. It is remarkably upbeat and hopeful, given the circumstances. Thanks, Zeno Graton.

The screenplay is by Zeno Graton and Clara Bourrea.

Khalil Ben Gharbia is previously known for Peter von Kant (2022).

Julien De Saint Jean is previously known for Lie with Me (2022).

The Lost Boys [Le Paradis] is the debut feature film of Belgian film director and screenwriter Zeno Graton, who is partly of Tunisian descent, and says he identifies as queer.

It premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival in 2023 and launches in the UK at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival, before being released in UK and Irish cinemas on 1 December 2023.

© Derek Winnert 2023 – Classic Movie Review 12,603

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com