Arenas Review: Loyalty & the Price of Fame

In Arenas (Les Arènes), director Camille Perton explores loyalty, ambition, and the ruthless realities of the football industry.

Through the journey of a rising football star on the cusp of greatness, Perton unravels the complex layers of loyalty, identity, and the cost of chasing fame. With sharp direction and moments of raw emotional power, Arenas isn’t just a sports drama; it’s a commentary on the often unseen toll of professional success.

The story begins with football player Brahim (Iliès Kadri, of Anatomy of a Fall) preparing to sign his first professional contract with a prestigious club in his hometown. The excitement and pressure of the moment are palpable, with his father and agent, Mehdi (Sofian Khammes), acting as his guiding force. Sofian Khammes delivers a standout performance as Mehdi, embodying a man torn between wanting the best for his son and navigating the murky waters of the football industry. His nuanced portrayal captures the simultaneous pride and trepidation of a father who knows just how ruthless the world Brahim is stepping into can be.

The turning point arrives with the introduction of Francis (Edgar Ramírez, of Emilia Pérez), a mysterious and influential agent. Ramírez brings a calculated charm to the role, presenting Francis as a figure who embodies the seduction and corruption of power. His presence disrupts not just the negotiations but Brahim’s perception of his own future, forcing him to confront an uncomfortable truth: the game he loves is as much about image and money as it is about skill.

One of the film’s most striking scenes occurs during a photoshoot organized by Francis. Brahim, along with other young players, is instructed to pose in a way that exudes sex appeal, selling not their athletic prowess but a manufactured image of desirability. This moment encapsulates the dehumanizing aspect of the industry, where players are commodified and expected to conform to a brand rather than being celebrated for their talent alone. The discomfort on Brahim’s face is palpable, a testament to Kadri’s ability to convey internal conflict without words. It’s also a moment that underscores Perton’s critique of how athletes are pressured to sell more than their skill, they’re selling their personas and, in many ways, their humanity.

While Arenas is an impactful exploration of the football industry’s darker side, its pacing can feel inconsistent at times. The film struggles to maintain momentum, particularly in the second act, where certain scenes drag while others rush through crucial moments. For example, Brahim’s internal conflicts and pivotal decisions sometimes feel hurried, which robs them of emotional weight. Additionally, while Edgar Ramírez’s Francis makes a memorable impression, his presence in the story is too limited. His character holds so much potential as a representation of the industry’s manipulative nature, yet the narrative doesn’t fully explore his motivations or the extent of his influence. A more substantial role for Francis could have added another layer of complexity to the story.

As Brahim’s star rises, the film shifts its focus to the psychological toll of his newfound fame. Perton deftly explores how the promises of wealth and success begin to distort his sense of self. Moments of quiet reflection, where Brahim contemplates his choices, are juxtaposed with scenes of opulence and excess, showing how the seductive pull of money and fame can change a person. Yet, through all of this, the film never loses sight of its emotional core: the bond between Brahim and Mehdi. Their relationship, fraught with tension and love, becomes the heart of the narrative, grounding the story in a deeply human struggle.

With Arenas, Camille Perton has crafted a film that is as much about the human cost of ambition as it is about the sport of football. The performances, particularly by Sofian Khammes, elevate the material, bringing depth to a story that could have easily fallen into cliché. The film’s exploration of the darker side of the industry, how it commodifies players, demands conformity, and reshapes identities, is both poignant and unflinching. Really makes you think of the price you pay for greatness.

Ultimately, Arenas succeeds because it refuses to shy away from the uncomfortable truths of its subject matter. It’s a story about loyalty, ambition, and the sacrifices we make in the pursuit of dreams.

Arenas (Les Arènes) had its World Premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on February 2, 2025.