The Lost Boys (2023) – Review and Summary
Zeno Graton’s “The Lost Boys” is an LGBTQ+ drama that creates a lovely atmosphere within a juvenile hall, but you may wonder where exactly this story is headed.
“The Lost Boys” General Information
| Director(s) | Zeno Graton |
| Screenplay By | Zeno Graton, Clara Borreau, and Maarten Louix |
| Based On | N/A |
| Date Released (Film Festival -NEWFest) | October 12, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | DramaLGBT+
Non-English (French) |
| Film Length | 1 Hour, 24 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Not Rated |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Joe | Khalil Gharbia |
| William | Julien De Saint Jean |
| Sophie | Eye Haidara |
Content Rating Explanation
“The Lost Boys” is currently not rated, but includes profanity, some violence, smoking, and sexual content.
Film Summary
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“The Lost Boys” is a French drama that depicts the life of Joe (Khalil Gharbia), a teenager in his potential last days in juvenile hall. Joe is filled with anger and loneliness. Anger at the world for his treatment as Arab, anger at his mother for neglecting him, and deep loneliness for not feeling like he belongs or is wanted anywhere. Joe spends most of his days reclusive and despondent towards his peers and the activities they’re forced to do; he’s even silent around his social worker Sophie (Eye Haidara), who repeatedly tries to help him. Joe sees no reason to exist, until he meets William (Julien De Saint Jean).
William is the new kid in juvenile hall. Rumor has it that he murdered someone. William keeps to himself with no interest in the other guys in the center. But when he meets Joe, the two lock eyes and find a mutual attraction and empathy for each other. Their relationship grows as the two become vulnerable with each other, physically with each other, and learn to trust someone else again. Yet William and Joe fear their time is short-lived, as Joe also tries to earn his freedom from the juvenile hall and his mom. Joe is faced with the impossible task of earning his freedom while leaving his love in the process.
“The Lost Boys” carries the tremendous task of conveying life for adolescents ignored in society and the budding romance between two boys. The stories can be beautiful and reminiscent of classic 1960s French New Wave cinema, but viewers may also feel detached and wonder where the story is going. “The Lost Boys” is driven more by vibes than plot and asks you to color in the details—even the end.
Other Noteworthy Information
- The French title of “The Lost Boys” is “Le Paradis,” meaning “heaven.”
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Joe
Joe is a teenager, yearning to leave his correctional facility but not sure what he’ll do when he’s out. He’s never had much support from family or anyone on the outside, but he finds love and support inside the facility when he meets William.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Skam France,” their role in “The 7 Lives of Lea,” and their role in “Peter Von Kant.”
William
William is a new member of the juvenile center. While he supports Joe’s happiness, he’s angered and hurt to see him potentially leave.
Sophie
Sophie is one of the correctional facility coordinators, asking the young men to partake in workshops, to write, and to have dreams, and she guides them through the process of leaving. Sophie also has to be the enforcer of rules and can often clash with Joe and William.
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Highlights
Beautiful Staging and Cinematography
“The Lost Boys” unfolds in natural light and shadows. While most of the colors are muted, the red shirts represent the repressed passion of Joe and William. The burn of a candle or cigarette becomes little glimmers of hope in the dark world of these teenagers.
Reminiscent of 1960s French New Wave
There’s a moment of liberation near the end of “The Lost Boys.” Joe and William get the escape they’ve wanted together, and everything seems possible and fatal as the camera follows the boys as they run away. The scene calls back to “400 Blows” and the spirit behind the natural and daring cinema that was made in 1960s France. The delicate relationship between two young men, their communication through prison walls, and their longing prioritize emotion over narrative.
On The Fence
“The Lost Boys” Can Make Viewers Feel Lost Too
“The Lost Boys” commits to showing what life for the incarcerated boys is like. How they spend the days behind barbed fences, what workshops they’re forced to do, and how they interact. Little is said, and very little conflict emerges. Perhaps by design, but because of these minimal conflicts and exposition, “The Lost Boys” can make viewers feel incarcerated too. We’re stuck looking for more meaning in the story.
Relationship May Feel Underdeveloped
The key moments in Joe and William’s relationship can feel heartbreaking, but the journey to get there is underwhelming, as the two mostly share glances, a few lines of poetry, and more of a physical connection. While this also connects to the two protagonists’ desire for each other, “The Lost Boys” may leave some viewers wanting more.
Who Is This For?
Fans of French New Wave cinema, tales of troubled youth, and LGBTQ+ stories might enjoy “The Lost Boys.”
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