Eastern Boys 2015

Marek, a young Ukrainian immigrant navigating life in Paris, spends his days on the bustling streets near the Gare du Nord alongside his Eastern European friends. One day, he catches the attention of Daniel, a French businessman in his 50s, who cautiously approaches him. After a brief conversation, they arrange for Marek to visit Daniel’s home the next evening at 6 PM.

When Marek arrives the following night, Daniel is taken aback to find not the young man he expected, but rather a 14-year-old boy declaring himself as “Marek.” The boy barges into Daniel’s apartment, accusing him of inviting a minor for inappropriate reasons. Shortly after, Daniel is stunned as the boy permits two more Eastern European youths to enter, and soon after, the entire gang arrives, led by Boss, their domineering Russian leader. As chaos ensues within Daniel’s well-kept living space, Boss gleefully taunts Daniel about his repressed sexuality, suggesting it was Daniel who lured them over, before initiating a wild party that results in the devastation of Daniel’s belongings.

As the night tumbles away, the real Marek eventually shows up and joins the mayhem without a trace of remorse. When Daniel awakens the following morning, his apartment is left in shambles, an unsettling reflection of the prior night’s events.

In a turn of fate, as Daniel attempts to restore order to his life and home, Marek returns with a bold proposition, offering sex—a request to which Daniel acquiesces after a moment of reluctance. Their encounter, however, is cold and detached, with Marek hastily exiting afterward, leaving Daniel bewildered. Unexpectedly, Marek returns a few days later, and this time, their intimacy evolves into a more genuine connection, leading to unexpected moments of shared meals and conversation.

Over the subsequent weeks, Marek—whose real name is Rouslan—becomes a significant presence in Daniel’s life. As he learns French, he shares fragments of his past, revealing that he is a Chechen survivor of war, having lost both parents. Their relationship deepens, yet tensions arise when Daniel cautiously suggests Rouslan seek employment. In a moment of intensity, Rouslan expresses fear over Daniel’s intentions, leading to a night of confusion and emotional turmoil.

Daniel encourages Rouslan to start fresh and sever ties with the gang that threatens his safety. However, retrieving Rouslan’s passport from Boss, who controls all gang documentation, proves perilous. After a narrow escape from captivity at the gang’s hideout, where Rouslan suffers at the hands of Boss, Daniel becomes increasingly anxious about Rouslan’s wellbeing.

When Daniel finally uncovers Rouslan’s dire circumstances, he takes a bold step to rescue him from the hotel where he’s being kept. Armed with determination, he faces significant dangers from Boss while enlisting the assistance of a kind-hearted concierge. Their efforts culminate in a tense exchange, as the police arrive just in time to cordon off the area.

As the chaos resolves, Daniel successfully whisks Rouslan away from harm, leading them to a path of newfound hope. Months later, after enduring the hardships of their unique bond, Daniel seeks to adopt Rouslan. Leaving the courthouse, they are met with encouragement that their case, though unconventional, stands a good chance of success come autumn, signifying a potential new chapter in both of their lives.