A critically acclaimed Belgian drama about childhood bullying is now streaming in the UK – and it’s not one to miss.
Playground, directed by Laura Wandel, has been hailed as a harrowing yet deeply moving portrait of school life through a child’s eyes.
Released in 2021, the film follows young Nora as she navigates her first days at primary school, only to discover her older brother is being bullied. Her attempts to help him spiral into consequences neither of them are prepared for.
The 72-minute feature stars Maya Vanderbeque in a standout performance, alongside Günter Duret, Karim Leklou, Laura Verlinden, Lena Girard Voss, and Thao Maerten.
Celebrated at major film festivals, Playground picked up the prestigious FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes, the Sutherland Trophy at the BFI London Film Festival, and Best Film from the Belgian Film Critics Association.
Amazon Prime Video now hosts the film in the UK, with its synopsis reading: ‘It’s Nora’s first day at school. Concerned at her older brother being bullied, she unintentionally sets in motion events beyond her control.’
It currently holds a flawless 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with The Guardian calling it a ‘remarkable achievement’ and Variety praising its ‘rigorous, resolute focus on one little girl fighting a lonely, frightened battle for her future selfhood.’
The New York Times also lauded the film, agreeing: ‘Wandel is charting a moral awakening and focusing on the questions that many movies rarely engage. How do we love, and why? How do we become, who do we become?’
Fans are just as enthusiastic, with X user @edgarwright writing: ‘Laura Wandel’s ‘Playground’, an intense, unforgettable perfectly formed drama with some of the best child performances committed to screen. Highly recommended.’
@jessicakiang agreed: ‘Exceptionally immersive, moving and disturbing, centred on one of the most impressive child performances of recent years.’
@AnneBillso posted: ‘UN MONDE (aka PLAYGROUND) is even more nerve-racking than EIGHTH GRADE. Like the Dardenne bros, debuting Belgian director Laura Wandel has the knack of imbuing social realist situations with thriller-like tension. And only 72 mins!’
Long story short, if you’re interested in good cinema, stream The Playground while you can.
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