31/45
Synopsis
Julie is a star player at an elite tennis academy. When their coach is suddenly investigated and suspended, all the club’s players are encouraged to speak out, but Julie chooses to remain silent. Belgium’s official submission for the “Best International Film” category at the 97th Oscars in 2025. This is truly a mini masterpiece executed to perfection. The cinematography, acting, editing, backgrounds and the sparse use of music are well integrated. It feels natural, revealing how much love and effort went into it. There is a natural blend of flamenco and French that is not seen in Belgian cinema. But this is exactly what the kids in the wealthy communities of Brussels are talking about. Yes, everyone has difficulties with German. This film is so subtle that even the verb in the title throws it off balance. Simply “Julie” will suffice. But every bounce of the tennis ball feels like dynamite straight out of Clouseot’s ‘The Wages of Fear’.