When Nora witnesses Abel being bullied by other kids, she rushes to protect him. But Abel forces her to remain silent. Caught in a conflict of loyalty, Nora tries to find her place, torn between children’s and adults’ worlds.
After winning the Fipresci Award in Cannes where it was part of the Un Certain Regard selection, “Playground” (Un Monde) by Laura Wandel already won many other prestigious awards, among others, the main award of the First Feature Competition at the BFI London Film Festival, but also awards at EL GOUNA (Egypt), PINGAO (China), GUANAJUATO (Mexico), SARAJEVO (Bosnia) and OURENSE (Spain) festivals. “Playground” is Belgium’s official entry for the 2021 Oscars.
I spent some time in Antwerp and briefly attended a Belgian pre-school before transferring to an International school. For that brief time at the Belgian school, it was one of the worst experiences of my life. By deconstructing sociological elements in “Playground,” writer/director Laura Wandel explores the intricacies of human nature and adapting to new environments.
Wandel’s camerawork showcases a raw urgency reminiscent of her fellow countrymen the iconic Dardenne Brothers. With tears in her eyes, 7-year-old Nora (Maya Vanderbeque) says goodbye to her father and older brother Abel on her first day off school. Abel attends the same school, spending his recesses getting bullied by bigger classmates. Each time Nora tries telling a teacher about the abuse, her brother refuses to name his tormentors. The camera is entirely from Nora’s POV which makes for one of the most immersive films depicting childhood.
Eventually, Nora begins making her own friends and attempts to ignore Abel’s woes. As Nora witnesses more shifting alliances in her group and Abel’s toxic classmates, the inclination for power and cycles of violence remains in perpetuity.
Wandel chose the setting after observing playgrounds for several months and noticed relatable dynamics within its “micro-society.” The filmmaker was interested in how people cope with integration. She stated friendship can be emancipatory by learning more about yourself and breaking free from familiar traditions. The conflict over resources (toys, snacks, etc) and territories around the school – is quite relevant to the adult world.
In Select Theaters Friday, February 11th
