A new film from Belgium has arrived, marking a powerful and celebrated return for its acclaimed directors. The work focuses on the lives of young women navigating early motherhood under profoundly challenging circumstances.
The filmmakers, known for their decades of work chronicling life on society’s edges, have rediscovered their signature strength with this project. After a period where their focus shifted toward more overtly topical subjects, they have returned to the intimate, character-driven storytelling that first earned them international acclaim.
The story centers on several teenagers and young adults who are new mothers. The film portrays their struggles with a raw authenticity, from the overwhelming basics of childcare to confronting addiction, unreliable partners, and their own fractured family backgrounds. It is material that could easily lend itself to a grim, documentary-like realism.
Yet, the directors achieve something far more profound. They imbue these difficult situations with a palpable sense of life, dignity, and even fleeting hope. This is accomplished not through sentimentality, but through a deep, unwavering empathy for their characters. The film’s power lies in its ability to make the audience feel intimately connected to these young women’s journeys.
A key to this success is the exceptional work of the cast. The directors have a renowned talent for guiding young performers, and here, every actor delivers a performance that feels wholly authentic and lived-in. The narrative seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines, with each detail—a specific location, a fleeting moment of connection—feeling meticulously crafted and significant.
The visual style is fundamental to the film’s impact. Employing a restless, handheld camera, the filmmakers place the audience directly alongside the characters. This approach creates an immersive, almost participatory experience, contrasting with more observational cinematic techniques. The camera’s movement—following closely, panning with nervous energy—perfectly mirrors the inner turmoil and urgency of the protagonists’ lives.
The result is a compelling, emotionally resonant work that reaffirms its creators as masterful storytellers. It is a film that tackles hardship not with despair, but with a resilient, humanistic spirit, signaling a formidable and welcome return to top form.