A critical hit at Cannes, the Dardenne brothers’ latest film opens with 11-year old Cyril (newcomer Thomas Doret) making a break for it from the boys’ home to which his father has abandoned him. Not understanding this, he returns to their home, only to find it empty, and his beloved bicycle gone. A chance meeting with Samantha (Cécile de France) leads to her fostering him at weekends, but what Cyril yearns for is his tragically indifferent father. Trying to build a relationship with him, the boy begins to make some unwise choices. Despite containing many elements new to their films, the Dardennes have again created a film of great compassion and emotional integrity. However, the film belongs to Doret’s heart-wrenching performance as the boy desperate for his father’s love.<