A feature debut from writer-director Laura Wandel that is, quite frankly, extraordinary, as well as extraordinarily powerful, Playground puts viewers back in the world of the school playground, hence the title, and serves as a reminder of just how cruel children can be, and what a minefield needs to be navigated while attempting to simply survive your days that people will ignorantly try to refer to as "the best years of your life".
Nora (Maya Vanderbeque) and Abel (Günter Duret) are siblings starting their school year. Nora is very nervous, but her brother tries to reassure her. Going through a number of childish trials and tests, Nora eventually settles in to a position that might allow her to get through her school year relatively unscathed. Unfortunately, Abel becomes a victim of bullying. Nora thinks telling someone about it might help, but it instead starts a downward spiral for Abel, who starts to gain a reputation that he cannot easily shake off.
With the child-height camerawork throughout and the natural performances from all of the cast members, Playground is an immersive experience, for better or for worse. Would I be exaggerating if I said that a number of scenes in this film had me tense and angry, remembering back to schooldays of my own that I view with nothing but resentment and anger? No. This is a film that will affect many viewers in a similar way, and anyone who thinks it is a bit far-fetched, or showing things in a more grim manner to manipulate viewers, has clearly been fortunate enough to have a school experience far removed from mine.
Vanderbeque and Duret both give quietly devastating performances, although they're helped by Wandel placing them in situations that immediately make them seem more vulnerable as she keeps the camera trained on their discomfort and pain. Karim Leklou is their father, often only visible in shot as he leans down towards his children, and Laura Verlinden is a teacher who seems a bit more aware and sympathetic than a number of her colleagues, but they don't make as much of an impact as so many others onscreen, children that we hear and often only glimpse at the edge of the frame. There are one or two characters who are involved in some important moments, but the camera is almost constantly locked on Nora, showing us what she sees as she becomes aware of it.
Masterfully put together, in terms of the visuals and the sound design, Playground shows that Wandel is a major force to be reckoned with, and no small amount of praise should go to everyone behind the camera who helped her to realise her vision. I'll look forward to whatever she does next, and I'll also be interested to see if Vanderbeque decides to take on some more film roles after making such a strong first impression here.
9/10
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