Oxygen

Tom and his brother Lucas are young men who suffer from cystic fybrosis, a genetic disease that slowly destroys their lungs. Tom is struggling to cope with his short life expectancy and hangs around with a gang of hoodlums. In the hospital, he meets Xavier, a young man suffering from the same illness but who behaves like a top athlete. Xavier is a confirmed optimist, even when he is dumped by his girlfriend Anneleen. Tom is influenced by Xavier’s energy and joy of life. He roams 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 each other and can only talk on the phone. Yet, they begin a romance. When Tom’s brother Lucas dies during lung transplant surgery, Tom is inconsolable. He seeks refuge among his rough friends, avoids Xavier and breaks up with Eline. But one day, he again crosses Xavier’s path. Xavier gives him back his taste for life. OXYGEN is Belgium’s Oscar nominee for the best foreign film.