Oxygen

Tom and his brother Lucas are young men who suffer from cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that is slowly destroying their lungs. Unlike his mature older brother, Tom struggles to cope with his short life expectancy and hangs around with a gang of hoodlums. While in the hospital, he meets Xavier, who suffers from the same illness but behaves like a top athlete. Xavier is a confirmed optimist and his energy and joy of life are contagious. Tom takes to roaming the hospital grounds and falls for the charms of quirky Eline, who has been quarantined for months due to an infection. They are not allowed to touch and can only talk to each other over the phone, yet a romance begins. Tragedy is inevitable; and yet, Oxygen is a profoundly non-tragic film. It is compelling, romantic, funny and heartbreaking. It’s a drama about being young and not wanting to miss out on anything. It’s about breathing. –!f Istanbul