Young Hearts

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!!

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.

Honestly, i don't know where to begin.

I never did a review, but i truely cant get over this masterpiece. It left me speechless. I did go through so much emotions, while watching this movie and now i don't know how i should feel - Happy? Sad? Empty? In a strange kind of way all of that at the same time, i guess.

But let me tell you - everything about that movie is just stunning.

To begin with the young actors, especially Lou Goossens - absolutely amazing how he expresses feelings without saying a word. But also the relationship and synergy between the characters fits just perfect.

The music by Ruben de Gheselle hits me so hard - im sure he will get awarded for his amazing work here.

The cinematography is just beautiful with all the landscape scenery and the strong colours.

And of course the message of the movie from regisseur anthony Schatteman will be so important for many young people and influence them in such a good way.

I truthfully believe we will hear so much good things about these guys and this movie in the future. For me it is just a masterpiece and deserves everything and more. 10/10.

I have to admit that the film made me quite emotional. It was a refreshingly different, heartfelt and real story of two boys falling in love. All the teenage folly, misplaced anger and shame, but still full of joy and optimism. The film mostly manages to avoid the trappings of coming out drama and isn't wallowing too much in the identity drama. His father is ignorant in a different, self absorbed way, but manages to snap out of it in the end.

It could have been a bit mediocre, but what made the film stand out to me in the end is the main actor Lou Gossens. I was blown away by such a young actor portraying this role with so much natural talent. The director really had a good hand directing his young cast here.

The scene in the car made me sob.

I just wish we could have had movies like this when I grew up.

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.