Milo (2012)

Directed by: Berend Boorsma, Roel Boorsma | 93 minutes | drama | Actors: Lorcan Bonner, Stuart Graham, Jer O’Leary, Laura Vasiliu, Charlotte Bradley, Dolf de Vries

Milo is a quiet boy of ten who has few friends. Every day he has to rub himself from head to toe with a thick white cream. He has a genetic abnormality; what exactly, he himself does not know. When his class goes to camp, he wants to come along just like everyone else, but his strict father does not allow it. Milo thinks this is so unfair that he decides to run away from home to join the camp. But then he gets hopelessly lost and eventually ends up with old hippie Star who takes him in. Milo’s parents go on a desperate search and in the meantime it gradually becomes clear why Milo’s parents have never told him exactly what his big secret is.

Debut directors Berend and Roel Boorsma came into contact with producers of the Irish film company Samson Films at the Rotterdam film festival. Ireland liked the idea of ​​the brothers and so the Dutch screenplay eventually became a co-production with Ireland. ‘Milo’ is therefore in English and is set in Ireland. But the main character is of Dutch descent, thanks to his grandfather who is played by Dolf de Vries. The international character fits well with the story because of the universal theme: a child who is not accepted by his immediate environment and tries to develop his own identity. Ireland’s beautiful scenery certainly adds to the film’s atmosphere. The Boorsma brothers certainly give a nice (international) calling card with their beautiful cinematography. The compelling music and the tension in the film must also be mentioned. That tension is in Milo’s secret. What exactly is that deviation? The fact that Milo himself doesn’t know either contributes to the suspense and together with him you discover the intense riddle.

The leading role is played by the Irish debutant Lorcan Bonner. It’s clever how Bonner plays the sadness and loneliness of his character. Stuart Graham plays Milo’s strict and often unjust father, who tries to keep his son’s secret hidden at all costs. Graham is on a roll as the father who is constantly on the brink of an outburst. The threat emanating from his character is constantly palpable. But most credit goes to Charlotte Bradley as the overage hippie Star, who lovingly welcomes Milo in her caravan. He unexpectedly stirs up her motherly feelings. She accepts Milo as he is. Bradley regularly moves by fighting like a lioness for Milo.

‘Milo’ is a film that is mainly suitable for older children and adults. For young children the film is probably too slow and too mature. Not to mention the sex scene in the kitchen! In addition, there is little room for humor and because Milo is hidden for a large part of the film under a balaclava or hood, adults come into the picture much more often than children. With its universal theme, however, ‘Milo’ will definitely appeal to (older) children and adults. The beautiful images, music and acting make it a successful feature debut by the Boorsma brothers.