Julie Keeps Quiet, directed by Leonardo Van Dijl, is a Belgian drama that tackles the sensitive issue of abuse in the context of a young tennis prodigy’s life. The film follows 15-year-old Julie, played by real-life tennis player Tessa Van den Broeck, at an elite tennis academy. When her coach, Jeremy, is suspended following the suicide of a former student, Aline, and allegations of misconduct surface, Julie faces pressure to speak out but chooses silence, retreating into her sport. The title reflects her internal struggle and the broader silence surrounding abuse in institutional settings.
Van Dijl’s approach emphasizes restraint and authenticity. He cast a tennis player rather than a trained actor to capture the physical and emotional reality of the sport, noting that athletes like Van den Broeck bring discipline and improvisation akin to acting. To address the film’s heavy themes, he incorporated Safe Sport principles, ensuring a protective environment for his young cast. He avoided sensationalizing the abuse, keeping the coach’s presence minimal—described as a “ghost” haunting Julie—to focus on her psychological turmoil rather than explicit depictions of trauma. This choice sparked varied reactions, with some praising the subtlety and others questioning the lack of clarity about the abuse.
The phrase “Where is the adult?” stems from Van Dijl’s critique of how society often fails to protect children, highlighted in a Guardian interview. He was particularly struck by a journalist’s description of Julie as a “strong, independent young woman,” which he found troubling, arguing it mirrors the grooming language that burdens children with adult responsibilities. He stressed that Julie is a child, not an adult, and her silence reflects the absence of responsible adults to shield her from exploitation.
Filming techniques, such as long takes and a fixed camera, mirror Julie’s disciplined yet chaotic world, with vivid 35mm cinematography by Nicolas Karakatsanis enhancing the stark atmosphere. The sound design, including the rhythmic thud of tennis balls, amplifies her isolation. Van Dijl drew inspiration from Belgian realists like the Dardenne brothers, who co-produced the film, blending social realism with a meditative focus on silence.
The film premiered at Cannes in 2024, earning praise for its nuanced take on the #MeToo era and winning awards like the SACD Award. Tennis star Naomi Osaka joined as an executive producer, drawn to its authentic portrayal of the sport and its focus on the pressures young athletes face. Selected as Belgium’s Oscar entry for Best International Feature in 2025, the film has sparked discussions about safe spaces for children, with Van Dijl advocating for better coaching and societal protections.
