Close Enemies

Close Enemies, a riveting 2018 French-Belgian crime thriller, boasts a stellar cast that includes Matthias Schoenaerts, Reda Kateb, and Adel Bencherif. Cinematically rich, often bleak yet punctuated by fleeting moments of humanity and redemption, this compelling film unflinchingly explores the treacherous landscapes of urban crime, generational tensions, and the indelible bonds of kinship against the gritty backdrop of the Parisian banlieue.

The movie, directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Oelhoffen, features the versatile Matthias Schoenaerts in one of his most challenging roles yet. Known for his compelling performances in Rust and Bone and The Danish Girl, Schoenaerts delivers a stirring portrayal of Driss, a small-time drug dealer trying to escape the perilous underbelly of drug trade.

Opposite Schoenaerts, Reda Kateb shines in his role as Manuel, Driss's childhood friend. Kateb, who has given mesmerizing performances in Django and A Prophet, injects depth and nuance into his character - a man who, despite being ensnared in a life of crime, shows an undercurrent of vulnerability and an inherent struggle with his criminal lifestyle. The two share a bond so deeply rooted in their shared history that their determined attempts to sever it might prove as dangerous as the cycle of crime they are stuck in.

Adel Bencherif clads the character of a law enforcement officer who becomes integral to the unfolding drama, cementing his reputation for evoking complex characters with a mesmerizing intensity.

The narrative of Close Enemies impeccably weaves its tale of crime, loyalty, and betrayal against the seldom-seen world of the Parisian banlieue, a world caught in a cycle of drug-related crimes and constant police scrutiny. The film takes audiences through a whirlwind of events that pivot around the tarnished relationship between Driss and Manuel and their desperate struggles to break free from the snares of their bleak life. The two friends are ensnared in a grander scheme of things, hammered by circumstances that trigger a succession of crises, confrontations, and agonizingly testing loyalties.

Oelhoffen masterfully controls the narrative tension, organically building suspense with well-plotted scenes that highlight the tacit tension brewing between Driss and Manuel. Stylistically, the film takes a mature and restrained approach, interspersing sequences of thrills and chilling violence with quieter, potent scenes underscoring the intricacies of relationships and the characters' inner lives. There's a rhythmic ebb and flow to its pacing, providing a well-balanced narrative conduit for both the action sequences and the emotional heartbeats of the story.

In the movie, crime and morality form a tangled web that further blurs the distinction between friends and foes. Close Enemies doesn't shy away from confronting the impact of generational conflict, societal adversities, and systemic failures that have forced our main characters into the dangerous lives they lead.

The film’s beautiful cinematography perfectly captures the paradox of the Parisian banlieue— tarnished by the stark realities of criminal underworld activities, yet still exuding a raw, melancholic beauty. Utilizing long shots and intense close-ups, the cinematographer magnifies the undercurrents of despair and hope, struggle and survival, and friendship and betrayal pervading the narrative.

The ambient soundtrack magnifies the tension, subtly underlying the film’s key moments with atmospheric soundscapes that emphasize both the action-packed sequences and the quieter, introspective scenes.

Close Enemies is a powerful exploration of the long-reaching effects of urban disenfranchisement and the resulting cycles of crime. The movie's visceral banality of violence, intricately portrayed character struggles, and in-depth exploration of deep-rooted camaraderie combines to make it a hard-hitting crime thriller. By the end of the film, viewers are left to question not just the choices of the characters, but the troubling societal structures that have led to these petrifying situations.

Fans of crime thrillers that delve into character-building and social commentary will not be disappointed by Oelhoffen’s stunning effort. Even as it navigates the grisly terrains of crime and violence, Close Enemies constantly reminds viewers of the redeeming power of relationships and brotherhood, providing a grim yet moving portrayal of life in the Paris suburbs. With standout performances from Schoenaerts, Kateb, and Bencherif, the film emerges as a deeply affecting, gritty narrative that resonates long after its conclusion.