Heysel 85: Where Soccer, Drama, and Politics Collide

Don't let the serious atmosphere fool you, Teodora Ana Mihai’s “Heysel 85” is not just a movie-it's a roller-coaster ride through history. This cinematic gem takes us back to the ill-fated soccer match at Heysel Stadium in 1985 where violence broke loose. It weaves a dramatic narrative using a mix of fictional characters and real-life figures, creating a captivating political maelstrom.

Remember when you were watching those old-school newsreels in history class? Mihai expertly blends authentic footage with staged scenes to bring the past back to life. Even the most eagle-eyed viewer would struggle to delineate where reality ends and fiction begins. The switch from real to fictional is subtle, marked only by a change in the aspect ratio of the scenes.

As we dive deeper, we encounter the film's focal characters. Luca (Matteo Simoni), an Italian reporter based in Belgium, and Mayor Dumont (Josse De Pauw), joined by his daughter and media advisor, Marie (Violet Braeckman). The narrative seamlessly transitions from wild stadium shots to more private, behind-the-scenes perspectives. While Dumont fusses over optics and Italian VIPs, the Yoda-like pair, Luca and Marie, busy themselves with emerging concerns about public safety. They begin slogging through translations of chatter in English, Italian, Dutch, and French.

Suddenly, like a wildfire, chaos erupts. Soccer fans clash, fists throw, and blood flows. Alarmingly, the powers that be seem more preoccupied with playing pass-the-blame rather than solving the crisis. Two clear heroes-Marie and Luca-stand out amidst the turmoil, emphasizing the tragedy that could have been avoided had egos not overtaken sensibility.

"Heysel 85" brings the drama to life, cutting between real-life footage of the disastrous soccer match and horrifying scenes of blood-soaked casualties piling up. Amidst this chaos, Luca struggles to find his lost family, while Marie bravely navigates injuries and confusion, further personalizing the disaster.

Drawing from her previous films like "La Civil" and "Traffic," Mihai continues her fascination with women struggling against oppressive systems, with Marie as the linchpin. Yet, there's a struggle to balance this focus with the unfolding violent reality, at times shifting attention away from the larger ensemble and the brutal incident itself.

But let's give credit where it's due; "Heysel 85" is an absorbing feature, its allure lying in the authentic feel of the production, from the set design to costumes, and perfectly balanced performances.

During a soccer-crazed World Cup year, "Heysel 85" serves as a chilling reminder of the dependence of sports on its political overtones. The character of Mayor Dumont, perfectly embodied by De Pauw, is a standout figure for his tragically comic attempts to avoid responsibility.

Breackman and Simoni's characters, however, truly anchor the human element of the story. Well-meaning people thrust into situations of moral complexity, torn between personal attachment and social duty.

Despite attempts to regain control, one can feel the danger of a powder keg ready to blow - a teeming stadium filled with adrenaline-charged fans. "Heysel 85" is overpowering and ominous, constantly reminding us of a world on the brink of chaos, mirroring our own reality and leaving us balancing on the knife's edge.