“Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne’s new feature film delves into the complex character of Ahmed, an enigmatic 13-year-old boy who is determined to commit murder, spurred on by his religious convictions. Lured in by Youssouf, the imam at his local mosque, the teenager soon finds himself embroiled in religious fanaticism, and refuses to engage with the world like any other teenager his age. Blinded by his puritanical ideals, Ahmed shuts himself away, cutting himself off from outside help, including that of his family and loved ones. Offering up an in-depth portrait of a boy in the throes of murderous madness, the film depicts his loved ones’ vain attempts at making him see reason.”

Andréa Mendes