In Italian director Giacomo Abbruzzese’s “Disco Boy,” he delivers a visually stunning debut that ventures into the depths of darkness and alternative realities with ambition and style. The film is a bold endeavor, aiming to captivate audiences with its striking setpieces while also weaving an engaging narrative.
Franz Rogowski, known for his compelling on-screen presence, portrays Aleksei, a Belarusian who embarks on a clandestine journey to France with his friend Mikhail. Their escapade, which involves illegal border crossings and perilous encounters, mirrors Aleksei’s professional aspirations and deep-seated desire for belonging. Meanwhile, in a parallel narrative set in Nigeria, Jomo and Udoka lead a guerrilla insurgency, offering a unique contrast to Aleksei’s journey.
Aleksei’s dream of joining the French Foreign Legion and becoming a French citizen drives him forward, despite the challenges he faces during training and the dangerous mission he undertakes in the Niger Delta. The film’s dynamic cinematography, particularly during intense sequences, immerses viewers in Aleksei’s psychological turmoil and existential exploration.
The narrative draws parallels between Aleksei’s quest for identity and Jomo’s musings on his own potential in a different world. These reflections on cultural displacement and existential yearning lend depth to the characters and themes explored in the film.
While “Disco Boy” evokes comparisons to films like Claire Denis’ “Beau Travail” for its exploration of masculinity and physicality, Abbruzzese infuses his work with elements of confrontational spectacle and narcotic ambiance reminiscent of Gaspar Noé or Nicolas Winding Refn. The electronic score by Vitalic and the cinematography by Hélène Louvart contribute to the film’s immersive atmosphere, creating a mesmerizing cinematic experience.
Overall, “Disco Boy” is a captivating journey into the unknown, blending visceral visuals with thought-provoking themes to create a truly unforgettable cinematic trip.