Summary:

Two fourteen-year-old boys, Elias and Alexander, discover an intense, magnetic connection over a summer, navigating the exhilarating and confusing emotions of first love amidst the pressures of family and small-town perceptions.

Review:

A tender and authentic portrayal of young queer love. 'Young Hearts' shines with its naturalistic performances from the young leads, capturing the vulnerability, awkwardness, and overwhelming intensity of first romance with remarkable sensitivity. It avoids melodrama, focusing instead on the quiet moments and internal struggles, making the connection between Elias and Alexander feel deeply genuine and moving.

Audience Recommendation:

Recommended for viewers who appreciate gentle coming-of-age stories, European cinema, heartfelt LGBTQ+ narratives, and character-driven dramas focusing on emotional realism. Fans of films like 'Close' or 'Heartstone' might find this particularly resonant.

Themes:

Explores the universal themes of first love, self-discovery, and identity formation, specifically within the context of young queer experience. It touches upon courage, vulnerability, the impact of societal judgment, and the importance of acceptance.

Fun Facts:

• The film is the debut feature for Belgian director Anthony Schatteman.

• 'Young Hearts' had its world premiere at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in 2024, competing in the Generation Kplus section.

• Director Anthony Schatteman drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up queer in a small Belgian village.