The article discusses a short documentary film, "Oasis," by Justine Martin, which portrays the changing relationship between twin brothers, Raphaël and Rémi. Rémi is developing at a faster rate than his brother, Raphaël, who has developmental disabilities. This creates a growing distance between them.
The film explores the subtle shifts in their bond as they transition into adolescence. It focuses on the brothers' summer together, highlighting both the enduring closeness of their childhood and the emerging separation.
The director, Justine Martin, was inspired by the subtle ways in which their interactions reveal the complexities of this developmental shift.
The article includes links to the director's Instagram page and information about submitting letters to the editor and contributing to the New York Times Op-Docs series.
When I was younger, I used to babysit the twin brothers Raphaël and Rémi. They were inseparable best friends, but as the years passed I noticed that a distance was slowly starting to form between them. As they entered their teenage years, Rémi was feeling guilty about growing up “faster” than his brother, who has developmental disabilities. Raphaël struggled to follow Rémi and adapt to this new reality.
Witnessing this changing dynamic, I wanted to capture the essence of their relationship as it was, before life pulls them in different directions. In this short documentary, the brothers spend the summer swimming and playing together, echoing the togetherness of their childhood. In small moments, however, we see how Rémi is pulling away, and we sense that this might be the last summer of their shared memories. As a director, I was inspired by how the subtle changes in their relationship expose the fine line between childhood and adulthood.
Justine Martin is a director based in Montreal.
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