Director: Leonardo Van Dijl / Writer: Ruth Becquart
Starring Tessa Van den Broeck, Ruth Becquart, Koen De Bouw, Tijmen Govaerts, Pierre Gervais, Sofie Decleir, Claire Bodson, Laurent Caron,…
Runtime: 97′
Recommended for fans of The Racer & Challengers.
The story: As the star player at an elite tennis academy, Julie’s life revolves around the game she loves. When her coach falls under investigation and is suddenly suspended, all of the club’s players are encouraged to speak up. But Julie decides to keep quiet …
The setting: The Sarajevo Film Festival has long been a celebrated event, with a legacy spanning 30 years—even a war couldn’t deter their passion for cinema. The atmosphere in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s capital is electric: bars are buzzing, and the presence of stars like Meg Ryan & John Turturro only heightens the excitement. This year, the festival’s main feature, My Late Summer by Danis Tanovi?, was screened outdoors for just 4 euros, with the temperature soaring to 33 degrees—a uniquely intense experience unlikely to be found in Belgium.
Our verdict: MoviePulp enthusiasts, it’s worth noting that the d’Ardenne brothers helped Belgium make a mark at Cannes this year— not as directors, but as producers for Leonardo Van Dijl’s debut film Julie Keeps Quiet, which also received the endorsement of none other than Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka, who famously withdrew from Roland Garros in 2021 due to mental health issues. With such high-profile backing, it’s no surprise that film festivals like Film Fest Gent, Karlovy Vary & Sarajevo Film Festival are eager to showcase Julie Keeps Quiet.
Rarely does a film rely so heavily on its cinematography as Julie Keeps Quiet does. While striking visuals are not new (The Lighthouse, Longlegs, Blonde or the many Wes Anderson films spontaneously come to mind), the mise-en-scène in Julie Keeps Quiet profoundly deepens the narrative. Renowned international Director of Photography Nicolas Karakatsanis, known for his work on Patser, Cruella & Bad Boys for Life, delivers cinematography that amplifies the film’s weight of silence. This is especially evident in the scarce dialogue, the many silhouettes of Tessa Van den Broeck and her on-screen family (Koen De Bouw & Ruth Becquart) as phantom portrayals, and a pivotal confessional scene between Julie and her former coach. However, the film’s editing occasionally misses the mark, leaving the images feeling somewhat isolated at times. The ambiguous ending, potentially divisive for the audience, leaves viewers contemplating the protagonist’s future, hinting at possible outcomes that are provided through imaginary & sound however. Nevertheless, Julie Keeps Quiet is a solid debut by Belgian director Leonardo Van Dijl and we can’t wait to see more of his sports inspired cinematic journeys.
In summary, Belgium now also conquers Cannes & Sarajevo Film Festival as a tennis country with Julie Keeps Quiet. Next stop, Film Fest Gent!
