The Kid with a Bike

Like much of the Dardennes’ output, The Kid with a Bike doubles as both an engrossingly perceptive human drama and a powerful religious parable.

The directing by the Dardenne brothers reflects their previous work: it wants to be unnoticed either for virtuosity or clumsiness, yet only virtuosos can attain this ideal.

There is not a wasted shot in this stripped down, pared back fable. Yet, it accrues a deep and lasting power. You won't see many better this year.

Realism and restraint make for a deeply stirring watch, courtesy of the Dardenne brothers’ compassionate filmmaking.