Review of The Kid with a Bike (2011) by Matthew M — 10 Feb 2014

Gritty and sometimes too heartbreaking to be true, "A Kid with a Bike" is an unflinching look at the aftermath of a young boy's abandonment by his father. Directed by brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, two filmmakers known for their ultra-realistic storytelling style, there isn't a second in which the film feels phony. And in that sense, makes it even harder to watch.

Cyril (Thomas Doret) is an 11-year old who is unexpectedly put into an orphanage by his selfish father (Jérémie Renier), who is much too preoccupied in his own life to deal with Cyril. By accident, the boy later meets Samantha (Cécile De France), a kindly hairdresser who takes the time to virtually adopt him.

Despite her warm heart, Cyril longs for his father, and, one day, he is approached by a gang leader, who instantly, to Cyril, seems to be a father-figure. It doesn't take much for Cyril's behavior to get completely out of control, but Samantha, who looks at him like he is her son, will not give up without a fight.

"A Kid with a Bike" is so somber, and so upsetting, that it seems like a tragedy, despite its upbeat ending. Cyril's behavior is fascinating to watch, but it also is lined with emotional trauma - in the beginning of the film, where he cannot accept the fact that his father has left him, is especially depressing. The scene that particularly breaks the heart is in which Cyril goes to their old apartment, believing that his father is there, even though everyone around him assures him that it has been abandoned, which it has.

Doret, despite being such a young actor, is magnetic in his portrayal. Cyril is a complicated character, but Doret gives him some clearance - he has a special ability that so few actors have, as his face alone is able to emote so much, without even a word spoken. He's the perfect match for the directors, because he oozes with utter naturalness and doesn't mug the screen like a child star.

What's smart about the film though, it how it never rises to the point of melodrama. Easily, there could be an intense scene in which Samantha lectures Cyril about how much he loves him, or the other way around, but it never happens. Instead scenes are dealt with gracefully, subtly scripted and smoothly shot.

"A Kid with a Bike" is a kitchen-sink drama that sticks with you long after it's finished. It's one of the few films that truly manages to break your heart, but still pick up the pieces.