Playground

Nora (Maya Vanderbeque), an anxious 7-year-old, must return to school despite her distress and longing to stay with her dad (Karim Leklou). Although Nora needs looking after, she soon becomes responsible for her older brother, Abel (Günter Duret), who is being tormented by the other kids. This puts Nora in a quandary - should she tell the adults or remain silent out of solidarity with her brother? Once Nora discovers Abel soaking wet, she feels compelled to take action and becomes more willing to compromise their trust for his safety. The authorities at school generally turn a blind eye, and her father remains powerless, kept at a distance from the confines of the school. He is also struggling to find employment and Nora is forced to think about her father's respectability, even though there is a high unemployment rate in Belgium. An eventual confrontation between Nora and Abel leads to a shuddering climax and a surrender to reconciliation.