2025 / 102' Dir. Karin Junger Sc. Karin Junger Prod. The Film Kitchen Sales. Pluto Film
The Pupil
Karin Junger
When 12-year-old Daan’s sexual abuse is revealed, he struggles both with his own shame and the reactions of everybody around him.
Daan (12) looks up to his coach Ries (35) who grooms the boy into a secret, forbidden world, which marks the beginning of repeated sexual abuse. When other boys report Ries, Daan is shocked to learn he is not the only one. Ries admits the abuse, but Daan initially denies anything happened, until he can no longer do so. His parents are in shock, and their well-meaning words only make Daan feel more misunderstood, rendering the clever, social boy even more isolated…