Openly queer and at the end of their school days, best friends Cas and Naomi find comfort and love in their special bond, which they call 'chosen family'. But when their future paths threaten to part, Cas faces the challenge of overcoming his fear of loneliness. Director Vincent Tilanus, known for his sensitive portrayal of youth and friendship, captures the intensity of platonic love in his film, which is often just as profound and complex as romantic relationships. MARLON BRANDO explores the painful realization that all childhood friendships are subject to inevitable change and asks how we deal with the resulting transformations. The film premiered at the renowned Cannes Semaine de la Critique in 2020 and has been shown at the TIFF and the Palm Springs ShortFest, proving that stories about friendship can also touch audiences deeply. With its subtle narrative style and convincing performances by leading actors Tijn Winters and Jetske Lieber, MARLON BRANDO offers a fresh perspective on youth drama by capturing the inconspicuous yet formative moments of everyday life. Through this careful staging, MARLON BRANDO becomes a mirror of our own youth, filled with moments of farewell and coming to terms with new paths in life. It is a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought, inviting the audience to reflect on the meaning of friendship and the acceptance of the inevitable.
Comedy, Shorts
20min
16+
NL
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Cas and Naomi are best friends, but when their future plans are seemingly different, their relationship wobbles.
Openly queer and at the end of their school days, best friends Cas and Naomi find comfort and love in their special bond, which they call 'chosen family'. But when their future paths threaten to part, Cas faces the challenge of overcoming his fear of loneliness.
Director Vincent Tilanus, known for his sensitive portrayal of youth and friendship, captures the intensity of platonic love in his film, which is often just as profound and complex as romantic relationships. MARLON BRANDO explores the painful realization that all childhood friendships are subject to inevitable change and asks how we deal with the resulting transformations.
The film premiered at the renowned Cannes Semaine de la Critique in 2020 and has been shown at the TIFF and the Palm Springs ShortFest, proving that stories about friendship can also touch audiences deeply. With its subtle narrative style and convincing performances by leading actors Tijn Winters and Jetske Lieber, MARLON BRANDO offers a fresh perspective on youth drama by capturing the inconspicuous yet formative moments of everyday life.
Through this careful staging, MARLON BRANDO becomes a mirror of our own youth, filled with moments of farewell and coming to terms with new paths in life. It is a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought, inviting the audience to reflect on the meaning of friendship and the acceptance of the inevitable.