Bullying raises its revolting head in this Belgian drama written and directed by Nic Balthazar from his own novel. Though a harrowing watch at times, strong performances and a story that is never quite what it seems combine to make a memorable debut.
Star rating ***
Dir: Nic Balthazar
With: Greg Timmermans, Laura Verlinden, Marijke Pinoy
click here to watch the trailer
Bullying raises its revolting head in this Belgian drama written and directed by Nic Balthazar from his own novel. Though a harrowing watch at times, strong performances and a story that is never quite what it seems combine to make a memorable debut.
Ben (Greg Timmermans) is never happier than when he's in cyberspace, playing online fantasy action games with a faraway friend. In the world that exists within the computer he is clever, brave, resourceful and all-conquering. In reality he is a young man with autism enduring daily harassment at his mainstream school. As the pressure begins to build on an increasingly desperate Ben, faux documentary-style interviews with his family and teachers hint at a looming calamity. This, added to the moody photography and generally downbeat air, make for dispiriting, familiar viewing.
Balthazar supplies Ben and the audience with some relief in the form of his more confident gaming partner (Laura Verlinden), who advises him not to give up and give in to the bullies. Can she or anyone else be relied upon to come to his rescue? Just when the answers seem predictable, Balthazar raises his own game another level and takes the story into new and surprising realms.
Timmermans puts in a controlled, convincing performance as someone with autism (though it's harder to believe that the 25-year-old could pass for a school pupil). But it's Marijke Pinoy, playing the frantic mother torn between protecting her son and wanting him to have as normal a life as possible, who is the backbone of the picture. A US remake is reportedly on the way.
Glasgow Film Theatre, from tomorrow; Filmhouse, Edinburgh, September 26-October 2.
