When the topics oscillate between self-identity and experiencing loss from a loved one, and additionally involve a young person, it takes exceptionally sensitive means to be able to portray this on the screen. Antoine Chevrollier, in his film debut, takes on this challenge, creating a picture about growing up in a stuffy provincial reality. Block Pass, which had its world premiere at the prestigious 2024 Cannes Film Festival, is an intimate portrait of the friendship between two teenagers – Jojo and Willy – set in the world of motocross. Here the sport becomes not only a backdrop, but also a symbol of escape, rivalry, and unfortunately unfulfilled ambitions of parents. 

The boys carry a big dream of finally moving to the city after winning the race. They see it not only as an escape from the province, but above all as a symbolic break from the reality that stifles them. For Jojo, this trip is a chance to break free from the pressure of his father, who uses his son for his own unfulfilled sports ambitions. Willy, on the other hand, is carrying the burden of mourning his father and, at the same time, trying to find himself in a family reconstructed anew. Both boys mature in an environment in which any sign of weakness is unwelcome – and emotionality, sensitivity, fear, or doubt are seen as something unworthy of a “man.” The patriarchal structure of the world in which they grow up effectively suppresses the need to express feelings. They are not given the tools to learn to recognize their emotions, let alone speak about them out loud. Their departure is supposed to be an attempt to take control of their own lives. It’s also an act of maturation – not the one defined by their surroundings as power, competition and success, but an emotional maturation based on authenticity. 

Particularly noteworthy is the actor playing the role of Willy – Sayyid El Alami – who conveys his character’s inner rift in an extremely authentic way. El Alami sensitively balances his boyish insecurities with his attempts to be a “man” as the adult world expects him to be. It doesn’t take many words for the viewer to feel the weight this young boy is struggling with. Willy is a boy trapped between loyalty to a friend, grief over the loss of his father, and the need to understand and be accepted as he really is. It’s a role that requires delicacy, and El Alami was up to the task very well, making his character one of the strongest points of Block Pass. 

This is a debut that is not afraid of silence. Chevrollier gives voice to the young protagonists, while showing how much their identity is shaped by their relationships with adults – not always supportive. Block Pass is a story about loss and loneliness, but also about the power of friendship.  

The film Block Pass (dir. Antoine Chevrollier) is screened at the 18th Mastercard OFF CAMERA as part of the Boys Will Be Boys, of which SEXEDPL is a partner. 

Marcelina Kłębek