Belgian Teen Coming-Out Romance, Young Hearts, Is a Sweet Account of First Love
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Loading... - Rio Fraser
- 12 Aug 2024
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Young Hearts, a Belgian coming-out romance, is a refreshingly tender portrayal of first love that stands apart from more tragic narratives like Lukas Dhont’s Close. Directed by Flemish filmmaker Anthony Schatteman, this debut feature aligns more closely with the warmth and optimism of Heartstopper or Love, Simon. The film follows 14-year-old Elias, played by impressive newcomer Lou Goossens, as he navigates the emotional turbulence of his attraction to a new neighbor, in a story that offers a comforting and positive depiction of queer youth.
Set in a picturesque rural Belgian town, with the film shot in the lush landscapes of Wetteren in East Flanders, Young Hearts unfolds in a world bathed in summer light. Elias lives a content life with his family—his father Luk, mother Nathalie, and older brother Maxime. Though Elias has a girlfriend, Valerie, their relationship feels more like a sibling bond than a romantic one.
The arrival of Alexander, a new neighbor from French-speaking Brussels, brings a wave of change for Elias. Alexander, portrayed by Marius De Saeger, is the quintessential cool kid with his skater style and laid-back confidence. As Elias and Alexander's friendship deepens, the film explores the blossoming of Elias’s feelings with sincerity and emotional depth.
In one poignant scene, while biking home from school, the boys discuss love by the river. Elias admits his confusion about what love should feel like, while Alexander nonchalantly shares that he was in love with a boy the previous year. This moment marks the beginning of Elias’s awakening, beautifully captured through Goossens’ expressive performance.
Although Elias has faced bullying, Alexander’s judo training and calm assertiveness help him handle similar challenges. Their bond strengthens through shared experiences—swimming in the river, exploring an abandoned house, and even a playful tumble in the hay at Elias’s grandfather’s farm. Schatteman skillfully builds the anticipation of their mutual attraction, culminating in a tender first kiss during a sudden rainstorm, a moment that, despite its rom-com familiarity, resonates with genuine emotion.
Young Hearts premiered in Berlin’s Generation sidebar and has since made its way through summer festivals. It is scheduled for U.S. release by Strand Releasing in the fall. With a cast led by Lou Goossens and Marius De Saeger, and a screenplay by Schatteman, the film’s blend of warmth, authenticity, and picturesque settings makes it a heartfelt celebration of young love.
