‘Enzo’: Queer Coming-of-Age Drama Explores Desire, Class, and Rebellion in the South of France

Enzo,’ the latest feature from acclaimed director Robin Campillo, is already generating significant buzz for its nuanced portrayal of queer adolescence and the search for identity amidst familial and societal expectations. The film made its world premiere in the Directors’ Fortnight section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, setting the stage for wider theatrical release. .

At its core, ‘Enzo’ tells the story of a 16-year-old French teen who rejects his bourgeois upbringing and the privileged life planned for him. Instead, Enzo chooses a path of manual labor, securing an apprenticeship on a local construction site—a decision that ignites conflict at home and sets him on a journey of personal growth and sexual awakening .

The film’s emotional core lies in the evolving relationship between Enzo and Vlad, a charismatic Ukrainian bricklayer. Vlad, torn between his life in France and the pull to return home to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, becomes an object of admiration and desire for Enzo. Their dynamic is marked by subtle gestures, lingering glances, and a growing intimacy that challenges both boys’ understandings of themselves and each other .

Critics have lauded Campillo’s direction for its restraint and sensitivity, allowing the homoerotic tension and emotional stakes to simmer beneath the surface. Eloy Pohu, who plays Enzo, delivers a performance that captures the contradictions of adolescence—cocky yet vulnerable, yearning yet guarded—making Enzo’s journey both relatable and deeply moving .

\Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of the South of France, ‘Enzo’ explores themes of alienation, class tension, and the search for belonging. The film juxtaposes the comfort and privilege of Enzo’s family villa with the grit and camaraderie of the construction site. There, Enzo finds a sense of purpose and acceptance that has eluded him at home, and through his encounters with Vlad and other workers, he begins to embrace his identity and desires .

Reviewers note that ‘Enzo’ stands out for its refusal to sensationalize queer desire; instead, Campillo’s camera lingers on moments of tenderness and uncertainty, reflecting the realities of coming of age in a society marked by rigid gender and class norms . The film’s delicate approach to sexuality and emotional growth has resonated with festival audiences and critics alike.

‘Enzo’ is also notable for its production history. Originally slated to be directed by Laurent Cantet—known for acclaimed works like ‘The Class’—the film became a testament to creative collaboration after Cantet’s death from cancer in April 2024. Robin Campillo, a close friend and frequent collaborator, stepped in to complete the project, blending Cantet’s incisive exploration of class with Campillo’s humanistic eye for intimacy and social nuance .

Filmed in La Ciotat in late spring 2024, ‘Enzo’ features a cast led by Eloy Pohu (Enzo) and Maksym Slivinskyi (Vlad), supported by Pierfrancesco Favino, Élodie Bouchez, and others . The film’s unusual dual credit—honoring both Cantet and Campillo—underscores its unique genesis as a work shaped by loss, resilience, and mutual respect among queer and allied creators.

For LGBTQ+ viewers, ‘Enzo’ offers a rare and affirming depiction of queer desire and adolescent uncertainty, set within a broader exploration of family, migration, and social mobility. The film neither pathologizes nor sensationalizes its characters’ experiences, instead framing self-discovery and desire as natural, universal parts of growing up .

As the film approaches its French release and potential international rollout, it stands poised to spark conversation and resonate deeply with audiences seeking authentic, inclusive, and intersectional queer representation on screen.