Bogus

The narrative unfolds across distinct American locations. It begins in Nevada, where Albert and his mother Lorraine live, before moving to Newark, New Jersey, as Harriet takes on guardianship. Key scenes also occur in Atlantic City, where magic and performance factor into the plot.

🏠 Family

At the core of Bogus is the formation of a family built from chosen bonds rather than blood. Albert's longing for connection drives him to reach Harriet and to trust her as a guardian. Harriet's transformation from reluctant caregiver to devoted mother is a central arc. The film shows how shared care and affection can heal wounds and bridge a fragile past with a hopeful future.

🪄 Illusion

Bogus, the invisible friend born from a drawing, blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Albert's certainty in Bogus contrasts with Harriet's skepticism and her eventual empathy. The magician, Monsieur Antoine, and the dreamlike magic scenes illuminate how belief shapes action and perception. The narrative uses illusion to reveal inner truths about fear, longing, and resilience.

🕊️ Grief

Lorraine's death triggers a chain reaction that tests and ultimately binds the new family. Harriet confronts responsibility and pain, learning to let warmth in through the child she initially viewed as a burden. The journey toward healing is tempered by moments of tenderness, imagination, and shared play. The ending suggests grief can be transformed into commitment and belonging.