
Clenched Fist is a powerful Belgian film that hits you right in the gut. The movie centers on Lucien Vandernoot (played by Yanis Frisch), a young boy who reconnects with his father at his grandmother’s funeral after years of separation. His dad’s in prison, and the rest of the film deals with the boy’s struggle to understand his father and his place in the world.
Lucien’s mom has kept him and his older brother in the dark about the circumstances of his dad’s past, and it’s clear that she has done so to shield the boys as any mother would. Yet, when Lucien meets his father, reality collides with the protective bubble his mother has created.
Clenched Fist is anything but a feel-good film. On the contrary, it is a Coming-of-Age drama loaded with melancholy, tension, and suppressed emotion. The story has many tough moments, and is not afraid to show the ugly side of life.

One scene in particular is really hard to watch, and it’s a good reminder of how cruel people can be. Without a traditional soundtrack (there is no music for the entire film’s duration), the movie’s gritty realism shines through, making you feel like you’re alongside the characters. The main character’s journey is heartbreaking, and his pain feels so real that I’ve had to wipe away tears a few times. Without any doubt, the film’s emotional weight is enormous.
The film quietly explores broken families, social shame, and hidden feelings. It feels very personal, hinting that past mistakes still hurt. Lucien Vandernoot is the emotional core of Clenched Fist, and his interactions suggest a painful realization of his identity. The story in Clenched Fist perfectly explores his inner conflict between holding onto a connection with his father and the societal/familial rejection of that bond.
Yanis Frisch, as Lucien, delivers a poignant and sincere performance of extraordinary depth. It is only his first role in cinema, but he outperforms many seasoned actors. Children often struggle to express deep emotions in words, and Lucien shows this through small gestures, silent resistance, and occasional outbursts. He speaks little, letting his eyes tell the story. And in those eyes lies his entire world: pain, torment, anger, and an unshakable determination.
Often, the camera’s angle is at eye level with Frisch’s character, fostering a sense of intimacy and connection. That’s probably why I felt a deeply personal connection with Lucian, which is why I felt the strong emotional tow of his story, especially realizing that sooner or later, he would face a heartbreaking yet inevitable choice.
Having seen Young Hearts and Close not long ago, I could not help but notice that Belgian filmmakers have a real talent for these Coming-of-Age stories. Vivian Goffette, who wrote and directed Clenched Fist, has created a masterpiece that left me speechless as the final credits rolled, but yet willing to give this film a standing ovation.
