Turn! (2019)

Directed by: Esther Pardijs | 56 minutes | documentary

Imagine that your child is a top athlete from a very young age. ​How do you and your child deal with the pressure to perform, expectations and disappointments that come with it?​ To what extent do you choose for your child or for yourself?​
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Director Esther Pardijs is the mother of such a child and with her documentary ‘Turn!’ a glimpse into their world. We see several boys whose lives are completely devoted to gymnastics. More important are the parents we follow. They all have the same insecurities and questions. Are we doing the right thing for our child? The documentary shows that struggle well.​ Some moments are cringe-inducing, such as when Pardijs’ son has to choose between training for a competition or going to a children’s party.​ Or when one of the boys is training crying. You very much wonder whether those children can still really be children. ​Yet you see that the parents naturally want the very best for their child. The only question is what is best.​
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There are some very strong characters in the film, such as the rock-hard trainer that the boys have a palpable fear of. He speaks clear language and you notice that the upbringing aspect counts less for him. ​The most important thing is that the boys become the very best gymnasts. He is even so critical that he is no longer welcome to come and watch during the training sessions.

Yet Pardijs sometimes puts too much emphasis on herself. a winner?”

‘Turn!’ mainly relies on his surprising subject and his honest, sincere look. It’s a world few people know and it’s exciting to explore. Cinematographically, ‘Turn!’ less exciting, but again clear and fresh. ‘Turn!’ is well worth seeing and has been nominated for a Golden Calf in the best short documentary category for a reason.