Playground (2021 film)

Playground (original title: Un monde) is a 2021 Belgian drama film directed by Laura Wandel. The film explores the experiences of a young girl, Nora, as she navigates the challenging social dynamics and bullying prevalent in her primary school.

The film is notable for its unique perspective, primarily presented through the eyes of the young Nora. The camera work largely remains at her eye level, immersing the audience in her world and heightening the emotional impact of the events she witnesses and experiences.

Playground premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it received critical acclaim. It was selected as the Belgian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards but was not nominated.

The film stars Maya Vanderbeque as Nora, and Günter Duret as her older brother Abel. The narrative focuses on Nora's attempts to understand the complex world of schoolyard hierarchies, her evolving relationship with her brother who is being bullied, and her struggle to cope with the emotional and sometimes physical violence she observes. The film avoids explicit depictions of violence, instead focusing on the psychological impact on Nora.

Key themes explored in Playground include childhood bullying, sibling relationships, the loss of innocence, and the complexities of parental understanding and intervention. The film offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by young children in navigating the often brutal social landscape of school.