Young Hearts

Young Hearts is a beautiful and emotional film about first love. The film follows the journey of Elias, a 14-year-old boy who lives in a quiet village in Belgium, his self-discovery, confusion, and love. What makes the Series special is how real and gentle everything feels. The story has no big drama or shocking twists, but focuses on small, honest moments-looks, touches, and conversations. The emotions feel true and familiar and there is neither sexualisation of minors nor robust entering into the adult world.

Lou Goossens, who plays Elias, gives an amazing performance. He shows so much emotion just through his eyes and face. His acting feels completely natural, and it is easy to understand what Elias is feeling. Marius De Saeger as Alexander is his more experienced partner who is a deserved mate to him - through different ups and downs. The music and the soft, warm camera work also help create a peaceful and loving mood throughout the film.

True, one might say the film is a bit too hopeful or doesn't show enough of the hard parts of coming out, but Belgium is one of the countries where being gay has been more or less tolerated for decades. It is refreshing to see a story that focuses on the beauty of young love without making it too dramatic or tragic.

In short, Young Hearts is a sweet, sensitive, and important film. It shows that love-especially first love-can be something magical. 9 points from me as I am not in the target audience - but I liked it a lot.

What I loved most about the film is its gentle and honest approach to love and identity. It doesn't try to give simple answers to Elias' questions or rush him to a clear conclusion. Instead, it embraces the messiness and uncertainty of growing up. Watching Elias navigate his emotions and relationships felt deeply relatable, even if the specifics of his experience are unique. His connection with Alexander, in particular, was portrayed with care-neither romanticized nor judged, but shown as a natural and complex part of adolescence.

The film also explores how our environment shapes us. The small Belgian village is both comforting and confining for Elias. On one hand, it provides a close-knit community and a sense of stability. On the other, it creates expectations that can feel suffocating, especially when it comes to fitting in. This tension adds depth to the story, making Elias' journey not just about his personal feelings but also about how he sees himself in the world around him.

For me, Young Hearts is more than just a coming-of-age film-it's a reminder of how important it is to embrace who we are, even when it's not easy or clear. It captures the beauty and vulnerability of first experiences, from love to self-discovery. I was left feeling nostalgic for those moments in my own life when everything felt new and full of possibilities. If you appreciate heartfelt and nuanced storytelling, this film is definitely worth watching. It's a quiet but powerful story that stays with you long after it ends.

This movie contains a very deep emotional weight, the story is very well argumented, the main characters act very well, at the point you don't even realize that you are watching a film, you think that all you are watching is perfectly real. The glances Lou and Marius or Elias and Alexander had were awesome, there was that touch of deep love. The emotions the characters had, those emotions are what probably a normal person would experience, that means it's all realistic, absolutely nothing looks acted or prepared, these makes a very special connection with the viewer and all the movie. Thanks Anthony, thanks Lou, thanks Marius you are bringing a big amount of happiness and feelings through people that experience this kind of thinks.

First, I have to compliment the amazing acting performance of both Lou Goossens (Elias) & Marius Desaeger (Alexander). They definitely had the possibility to break my heart while watching. Thankfully, they spared me. Tears did fall though.

Another aspect that I appreciated was the film's length. It struck the perfect balance - not too long to drag, yet long enough to allow for rich character development and a satisfying conclusion. The pacing felt natural, with every scene contributing something meaningful to the overall (love-)story.

The beautifully crafted cinematography definitely added a great bit to this 10/10 film. I am writing this just after watching it for the first time, but it for sure won't be the last time I will have watched this Anthony Schatteman masterpiece.

Young Hearts now has a very special place in my heart.

Usually, I do not do Movie Reviews - but this one I have to.

Usually, Queer Movies on Film Festivals are Dark, Sad, Drama. Young Heart changed everything!

Naturally, on Coming-Out Stories you have fear and sadness. Here as well, BUT: the positive Part overruled. Seeing the love growing, shy but there, see the fun (no sexual party, just romance (thank Gosh!) of the friendship, enjoying the time they had together.

Not only me had tears in the eyes, the whole audience was sniffing, cheering, crying.

The young Actors are fabulous! Well casted, well played!

When you have the chance: watch it!!