violet

Belgium, Netherlands 2014

This striking debut film vokes the often unspoken emotions of a long-limbed, flaxen-haired, BMX-riding 15-year-old after his best friend's been randomly stabbed to death right under his eyes. The withdrawn protagonist needs to not only come to terms with his loss but also with the challenging attitudes of some of his peers, who blame him for not stepping in or wonder why he survived instead of his best buddy. Emotionally specific despite relying mostly on images rather than dialog it tells a story which is evocative and atmospheric and shot on both 65mm and the digital Alexa by co-producer and ace cinematographer Nicolas Karakatsanis.
- Boyd van Hoeij, The Hollywood Reporter

Director: Bas Devos