Charlie (Néven Carron) is playing his guitar in an empty country house when Eden (Augustin Dewinter), a young man with an interest in photography, enters the house. At first Charlie observes Eden but doesn’t let on that he’s there, but soon the two boys are drawn to one another. What ensues is a journey of discovery as two like-minded souls meet one another at exactly the right time.
‘Eden & Charlie’ is a short film from writer and director Benoît Duvette. It captures that moment in a young gay man’s life when he feels totally alone and as if there’s no one else who could possibly understand him. Everything about ‘Eden & Charlie’ is understated; this isn’t a passionate encounter between two young men exploring who they are. The film says much of what it needs to through body language as Eden and Charlie become accustomed to one another.
Of the two boys, Charlie is the more inquisitive of the two. His wide-eyed desire to find out everything he can about Eden threatens to derail their connection before it’s had chance to go anywhere, but his naïve and optimistic outlook is one many viewers will be able to relate to I’m sure. There’s a nervous energy that runs through the short, leaving the viewer anticipating where things will go next with these two kindred spirits.
The two leads – Néven Carron and Augustin Dewinter – have the pressure of carrying the entire short. They foster a quick chemistry and there’s a gentle ease between them, even in the moments of the short where it looks like everything may be about to fall about. Carron and Dewinter communicate with words, of course, but mostly through the way they physically interact with one another and their body language. They are both very good and the elevate the simplicity of the film.
For some viewers ‘Eden & Charlie’ may be too dreamlike, which could make it hard to get into. If you’re after a different look at coming-of-age that is more of a feeling than an action-packed story, then this short is for you. It looks beautiful, the leads are solid and the direction is impressive, just don’t expect it to rock your world.
Cast: Néven Carron, Augustin Dewinter Director: Benoît Duvette Writer: Benoît Duvette Certificate: 18+ Duration: 46 mins Released by: NQV Media Release date: 7th November 2025 Buy or rent ‘Eden & Charlie’ now
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