The Lost Boys (2023)
The Lost Boys (2023), directed by Zeno Graton, starring Khalil Ben Gharbia and Julien de Saint Jean.
score
Synopsis
In a youth correctional facility, Joe is preparing his return to society. But William’s arrival turns his desire for freedom into desire of another kind. Behind fences and cell walls, passions begin to play havoc with the need for liberty.
- Olivier BoonjingCinematography
- Zeno GratonDirector, Screenplay
- Arnaud BatogEditing
- Nobuo CosteEditing
About the film
The Lost Boys (French: Le Paradis) is a 2023 drama film written and directed by Zeno Graton in his feature debut. The film centres on a romance between Joe (Khalil Ben Gharbia) and William (Julien de Saint Jean), two teenagers incarcerated in a youth detention center.
The ensemble cast also includes Eye Haïdara, Jonathan Couzinié, Matéo Bastien, Samuel Di Napoli, Amine Hamidou, Nlandu Lubansu, Terry Ngoga, Audrey D'Hulstère, Laurence Oltuski, David Leclercq, Noémie Van Cauwelaert, Marc-Elie Piedagnel, Marc Gallo, Aurélien Vandenbeyvanghe, Samir Asghir and Giovanni Vanhaerens in supporting roles.
The film premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival. It was later screened at TIFF Next Wave and the BFI London Film Festival. At the 13th Magritte Awards, The Lost Boys received six nominations, including Best Film. Best Director and Best Screenplay for Graton.
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The Lost Boys (French: Le Paradis) is a 2023 drama film written and directed by Zeno Graton in his feature debut. The film centres on a romance between Joe (Khalil Ben Gharbia) and William (Julien de Saint Jean), two teenagers incarcerated in a youth detention center.
The ensemble cast also includes Eye Haïdara, Jonathan Couzinié, Matéo Bastien, Samuel Di Napoli, Amine Hamidou, Nlandu Lubansu, Terry Ngoga, Audrey D'Hulstère, Laurence Oltuski, David Leclercq, Noémie Van Cauwelaert, Marc-Elie Piedagnel, Marc Gallo, Aurélien Vandenbeyvanghe, Samir Asghir and Giovanni Vanhaerens in supporting roles.
The film premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival. It was later screened at TIFF Next Wave and the BFI London Film Festival. At the 13th Magritte Awards, The Lost Boys received six nominations, including Best Film. Best Director and Best Screenplay for Graton.
Critical reception
The Lost Boys has an approval rate of 100% on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 15 reviews. Alice Saville from Time Out described it as "a powerfully physical romance shaded in dreamy, intense colours." Randy Myers from The Mercury News wrote that "the leads are exceptional, and Graton's direction and pacing never slackens."
Ben Turner, writing for The Pink Lens, called it both "dark, gritty and filled with hopelessness" and "a tragic and sad coming-of-age movie that turns the genre on its head."
Accolades
See also
List of LGBTQ-related films
References
External links
The Lost Boys at IMDb
Text from The Lost Boys (2023 film) on Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Boys_(2023_film)
Trivia
- The production budget was US$ 2.0 million.
- It premiered on May 3, 2023, a Wednesday.
- It runs 1h23 — short for a feature film.
- Its original title is "Le Paradis".
- As of September 20, 2026, it is available in Brazil by subscription on Reserva Imovision Amazon Channel.
- This film's quiz has 12 questions — enough to play more than once without repeats.
Production
- StudiosTarantula, Silex Films, Menuetto
- CountriesBelgium, France
- LanguagesFrench
- BudgetUS$ 1,965,000
- StatusReleased
Where to watch
Videos
Photos
Cast
-
Khalil Ben Gharbia
Joe -
Julien de Saint Jean
William -
Eye Haïdara
Sophie -
Jonathan Couzinié
Ilyas - Samuel Di Napoli César
- Matéo Bastien Tom
-
N’landu Lubansu
Yanis -
Amine Hamidou
Fahd - Terry Ngoga Tiago
- Aurélien Vandenbeyvanghe General Courses Teacher
- Audrey D'Hulstère Social Worker
- Laurence Oltuski Judge
- David Leclercq Prison Guard
-
Noémie Van Cauwelaert
Zoé / Educator - Marc-Elie Piedagnel Pierre / Educator
- Marc Gallo Sports Teacher
- Samir Asghir Welding Teacher
- Giovanni Vanhaerens Carpentry Teacher
-
Marc Hens
Nature Workshop Teacher - Emma Allard In love with Yanis
Quiz about this movie
Questions from the whole catalogue.
Play nowIf you liked this one
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Insensata Paixão
6.0
-
O Beijo da Mulher-Aranha
7.0
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Encarcerado
7.1
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Juventude em Fúria
7.0
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Brincando com Fogo
6.2
-
Meu Policial Drama from the 2020s
7.5
-
Wasteman Drama from the 2020s
7.3
-
Minha Vida com Liberace
6.6
-
Bronson
6.9
-
Um Sonho de Liberdade
8.7
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Bent
6.8
-
Rédeas da Redenção
6.9
Tags
Crew
- Olivier Boonjing Cinematography
- Zeno Graton Director
- Arnaud Batog Editing
- Nobuo Coste Editing
- Joseph Rouschop Producer
- Judith Nora Producer
- Priscilla Bertin Producer
- Valérie Bournonville Producer
- Clara Bourreau Screenplay
- Zeno Graton Screenplay
Questions about this film
What is The Lost Boys about?
The Lost Boys: In a youth correctional facility, Joe is preparing his return to society. But William’s arrival turns his desire for freedom into desire of another kind. Behind fences and cell walls, passions begin to play havoc with the need for liberty.
Who directed The Lost Boys?
The Lost Boys was directed by Zeno Graton in 2023.
Who stars in The Lost Boys?
The cast of The Lost Boys includes Khalil Ben Gharbia, Julien de Saint Jean, Eye Haïdara, Jonathan Couzinié and Samuel Di Napoli.
How long is The Lost Boys?
The Lost Boys runs for 83 minutes, or 1h23.
Where can I watch The Lost Boys?
The Lost Boys is available on Reserva Imovision Amazon Channel. Availability changes often: the list on this page is the most recent we received.
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Page updated on 09/19/2026.
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