reviewer17

Plot wise, this movie really fell short. Each step after another was exactly what you'd expect, and it wasn't even what you wanted to happen either. It lacked realism in its characters and purpose in its narrative.

More on that realism note: who 'figures out' they're transgender, comes out to their family, crush, and school, cuts their hair, begins transitioning, and picks a new name, all in ONE SINGLE day? This felt so artificial, as though the character was meant to exist as a girl with different gender expression, that jumping to these conclusions was rapid and unbalanced. I think Tosiek had great potential in a miniseries or something, but in a movie this all felt rushed and over extended. One day is too much to learn and admit all this about yourself.

The 'fanfic' part for which this film is named also was somewhat disappointing. It didn't seem intentional and it didn't lead anywhere. Tosiek's interpretations of others seemed stereotypical and somewhat offensive at times. The insight it gave into their mind ended up making them seem kind of self centered and ignorant. (Ignorant may be a strong word- more like nonchalant to a fault. Self idolizing in a way). Great concept, but again, I think it needed a miniseries at least to fully develop.

The editing of the film is visually pleasing, but I think they could have done more with the emphasis on atmosphere. The locations felt very simple and could have used more personality.

Character wise, Tosiek begins as an uncomfortable narrator and ends as such too. They rely heavily on bad decisions and placebo effects from medication that only works consistently, at the right dose, over time. Tosiek's father's character development again feels rushed, only taking a few days to come around to what seems like a rapid and unsupported decision (not that there is anything wrong with transitioning- doing all the steps in one day is an indicator of something not quite being right though). Leon felt a little more 'real'- we got more insight into his values and struggles in a clearer way. The side characters all have little loose ends but mostly make up a sensical whole.

Anyway, TLDR; pretty big plot holes and struggles. Editing and great actors make up for it somewhat. Worth a watch, but not something to call home about.

I was blown away. Though I'm selective of what I watch, and as such end up thinking quite highly of all of it, this was an incredible series. I found myself staying up to watch it and not wanting an episode to end. Though it's a very dramatic series, it's not overplayed or overacted. You get the raw expression of the characters' feelings unaltered, but also you see the subtleties in the dialogue and movement. The actors absolutely embodied their roles, and each felt integral to the story. Side characters such as Malwina brought rich plot without taking away from the main focuses. The parents' relationships had beautiful complexities that did so as well. The parents seemed very present in their childrens personality, in a beautiful way.

Niko and Lena were perfectly introduced before we meet Igor. The relationship between all three developed wonderfully and had it's own subtle differences in each direction. Niko thinks and feels so deeply (and is very introspective), Igor is very nonchalant but also so similar to Niko, and Lena is a bold and daring opinion speaker. The contrast between each is what makes all of it so special and true, I think.

Overall, Absolutni Debiutanci feels like the most beautiful, atmospheric, subtle, bittersweet passion project I've seen in a very long time. It is less of a series and more of a feeling and understanding as you finish watching. Fantastic.

Normally I like to come on here and review the movies I watch in fancy words, because a picture is worth a thousand and a movie is worth a ton more. This isn't one of those movies.

I really liked this. At first it was a bit offputting with its awkwardness, but that discomfort turns into charm quite quickly. It made me audibly laugh more than once, with Benjamin's matter of factness. The casting was perfect and the line delivery on everyone's part was superb.

Paul's character felt a bit unnecessary, and I wish the message his interaction gave had been delivered in a different way.

Stephen was a centerpoint, and I think his existance made the whole movie feel a little more real, like Benjamin and his social circle was a real little corner of the world.

I give it an 8, not because there was something missing, but because not much more could have been done with it. Is it an artistic masterpiece? No. But it's a sad, funny, easy to watch movie with a nice storyline and somewhat believable characters. It isn't innovating some kind of crazy message- it's just people being people. Refreshing and comfortable.