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I appreciate the way this story is told. It's also nice to see a good coming of age film that doesn't sexualize the characters. All their interactions are relatable. I love the confusion Elias has discovering who he is.

The thing I think I love the most about this film is how almost all of it is in the characters facial expressions. Great directing and acting there, especially by Goossens. Both the boys did a great job and all their interactions seem so genuine. It's refreshing to see people telling a realistic story that deals with actual things people go through. In that way, I can't help but compare this film with Close. Very glad I got the opportunity to watch it and I highly recommend it. I'll be keeping my eye on these young actors and I can't wait to see how they progress. I'll also be looking forward to what Schatteman does in the future.

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.

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!!

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.

"Young Hearts" (2024) is not just a coming-of-age story; it is a cinematic revolution that transcends generational divides, offering profound healing and understanding to audiences worldwide. Directed with exceptional care and featuring a cast of talented actors who bring raw authenticity to the screen, this 2024 masterpiece addresses the often-overlooked struggles of emotional suppression, identity, and love-issues that resonate deeply with Generation Alpha, older Gen Z, Millennials, and beyond.

At its core, the film chronicles the tender journey of two adolescent boys navigating their emotions, identities, and the world around them. But it is so much more than a tale of self-discovery. It gently dismantles societal norms that have long stifled genuine expression, creating a safe space for viewers of all ages to confront their truths and embrace their authentic selves. The narrative weaves a tapestry of support, love, and understanding, offering a blueprint for what a nurturing, inclusive environment can look like for anyone struggling with suppressed emotions or questions of identity.

What sets Young Hearts apart is its universal accessibility. The film is age-appropriate for anyone-from teens grappling with their first crushes to adults unpacking childhood traumas or rediscovering the courage to love freely. It highlights the importance of empathy and connection, creating a sense of hope that is desperately needed in today's world.

The film's global impact is nothing short of remarkable. Within weeks of its release, Young Hearts has sparked conversations across continents, becoming a cultural touchstone for individuals and communities yearning for representation and acceptance. It is not simply a "cute movie" about two boys-it is a bold statement that love is love, and that everyone deserves the freedom to express it.

The direction is a masterclass in storytelling, capturing the quiet moments of vulnerability and the transformative power of compassion. The performances are nothing short of extraordinary, with the young leads delivering nuanced portrayals that leave a lasting impression. Together, the cast and crew have created a film that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

This is undoubtedly a 10/10 film that deserves to sweep every major category at the Academy Awards. From its screenplay to its cinematography, acting, and cultural significance, Young Hearts is a triumph in every sense of the word. Bravo to the creators for crafting a film that not only entertains but also heals and empowers.

A sequel is not just desired-it is necessary. This monumental work has only scratched the surface of the stories that need to be told. The world is ready for more.

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.

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.

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.

Young Hearts aspires to evoke intimacy and emotional resonance, but ultimately falls short of delivering a meaningful or fulfilling experience. Despite its aesthetic ambitions and potentially relatable themes, it lacks the depth, authenticity, or emotional spark necessary to truly connect. The result feels hollow - more like a stylized vignette than a lived-in story. Instead of immersion or catharsis, the viewer is left with detachment, as if watching a story meant to matter but never quite finding its pulse. For those seeking substance or emotional release, Young Hearts may feel like a missed opportunity - a film that gestures at feelings it never fully earns.

That said, the film's emotional core is anchored by two remarkable lead performances. For their film acting debuts, both protagonists deliver strikingly sincere and resonant portrayals, carrying the emotional weight of the story with rawness and vulnerability. Their presence leaves a genuine and lasting impression - a quiet testament to what Young Hearts might have achieved had the rest of the film matched their depth.

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.

Elias is an average teenager who tries to understand his feelings, to understand what it is like to love and to experience feelings of love in general, and Alexander became such a person for Elias, around this Elias' external and internal conflicts are built, fear of being judged, of not being accepted and other fears, which are connected with school problems, and, of course, not without internal torments, the consequences of which stem from the inner homophobia itself. In general, again, the movie neither the story nor the message did not touch me much, I would say, a movie for once, but not so terrible.

I truly love this film for its story and characters. Elias is in many children's hearts, showing how love is only once in a lifetime. I wish how this story goes for many who are still figuring out themselves or what love is to them. I like how spread out the film's storyline was and how from a young teen's perspective on growing up and facing his feelings of love. This is a remarkable movie by movie director Anthony Schatteman, everyone included! Especially Lou Goossens and Marius De Saeger for the main roles. I wished there was a film like this for me and others to see in the mid-2010s. I highly recommend a watch! I can't wait for it to come out digitally or in a physical copy!

My attention span is honestly quite short, and I tend to lose interest quickly if a film doesn't captivate me enough. Once the story is over, I usually move on and don't look back.

But this film? It's a completely different story. From the moment I finished watching it the first time, I knew it wasn't going to be just a one-time experience. For reasons I can't fully explain, this movie held me captive in a way no other has. It made me want to pay attention to every little detail.

One of the things that makes this movie stand out so much for me is its stunning cinematography. The colors, the lighting, the framing-all of it comes together to create something visually breathtaking. It's not just about what's being shown on screen; it's about how it's shown.

In the end, I think this movie has become more than just a favorite for me. Now, all I want is a sequel or even a series!

Expectations were high for this film - and man, wow, not only did it deliver, but it delivered in style!

Beautiful cinematography, enjoyable music, adorable story that the viewer (especially ppl among the LMBTQ community) could identify with.

The struggles of the boy (Elias) were depicted masterfully, and the happy ending was excellent - good to see a movie that puts more emphasis on the positive side of the topic.

However, this is my only critics to the film (that's why it's 'only' 10/9) - that I found it overly optimistic. Real life, unfortunatelly, is not like this.

A little bit more screentime could have been devoted to some drama about bullying, or refusal, because let's face it, there are always haters in real life.

Yes, there were minor hints about this in the film here and there, but a few more scenes should have been put into it about the negative sides. This could have made Elias's fears more understandable. In the end, it created an almost dream-like scenario.

However, this is a minor issue. One that doesn't really snaps you out of the immersion at all.

(I just felt like I have to explain the 9 stars)

We have to also talk about how excellent the cast were! The actors played their role wonderfully - even the young ones, so hats off really.

Now stop wasting your time by reading my review, go and watch it instead!

I had the privilege of watching this movie yesterday and it was absolutely incredible! The cinematography was absolutely gorgeous and Elias and Alexander are the cutest! Movies like this are so important and teaches us so many important lessons about how young people feel just as much as grown people. It teaches us to have the time and patience for young people, especially young queer people who fear what they're going through isn't normal. The car scene was so impactful and made me feel so many emotions, I hope many parents can learn from it! Everyone involved did an amazing job and I hope loads of people see this movie!

This movie has broken me, such an amazing storyline and the actors, just wow. The acting was so good and so was the story. I really hope they release more dutch movies like these! Hats off to the actors, especially the two boys who fall in love, amazing! Whenever i watch this movie i end up in tears, its the true love life of somebody young presented ina very good movie, one of the best movies i have ever watched. Please make sure to watch young hearts, and if your gonna watch it, please make sure you have tissues next to yoy, youll truly need them for this amazing and groundbreaking movie, magnificent!

Young Hearts is yet another coming out movie that works very hard to prove that gay feelings are the most natural thing in the world - something the majority of its audience, certainly me, believed before even entering the theatre.

While the intention is fine, the issue with the movie is it follows the playbook of all other coming out movies to the point of feeling formatted and inauthentic. Like many of these other movies, it starts by placing the story in the most bucolic and innocent of settings, right in the middle of the country, as if to underscore how gay feelings emerge naturally without any influence from society. It then makes every effort to show Elias and Alexander doing all those healthy activities boys are expected to do at their age. It's always the same ones in these movies: there's a race, there's biking, there's jumping in a lake, there's some innocent horseplay. As if stereotypical childhood masculinity led almost inevitably to developing gay feelings - which it very well might but certainly not always. All of it bathed in constant blue skies and warm sun, until an opportune storm brings the boys into a farm, where, soaked wet, they can kiss in perfect bucolic intimacy.

There is fundamentally nothing wrong with telling a simple love story. But the repeated cliches in Young Hearts do make it look like a copy-paste of so many other movies and the motivations of the characters lose relevance and authenticity as a result. Add to that a tv commercial style of filming (including rays of sun flowing through the boys' hair), and you're almost in Disney movie territory, but with gay boys.

What you are left with is two beautiful young actors with eyes and smiles shot from every possible angle. While it's hard to blame the filmmaker for appreciating their beauty, it is problematic that, given the content of the story, they (and their bodies) are semi-sexualized, which raises some serious moral questions.

If you are looking for a simple coming out story, Young Hearts is not unpleasant, but it does take willingness to forgive its style and choices.

Words cannot describe how this film made me feel the first time I watched it.

I was left feeling emotions I hadn't known possible. I was happy, sad, confused, but most importantly I wanted to re-watch this movie over and over again because I have never felt happier in my life than when I watched this film.

I was so taken aback by how beautiful the cinematography was, the beautiful ambiance of Belgium, and the impeccable acting performances by Lou and Marius.

As soon as I woke up the day after I watched it the first thing I did was open my iPad and watch it again because it filled my heart with a piece that has been missing for 16 years.

It has truly been an honor to be alive when a movie as life changing as this one has come out, Thank you too the cast and crew for this impeccable piece of art that filled my soul with nothing but happiness

• quinn <3.

This is a wonderful movie. I watched it multiple times already, and each time I was touched by it. The storyline is very beautiful and realistic at the same time. And all actors deliver an incredible performance. Absolutely stunning. And this applies especially to Lou Goossens, playing the role of Elias. He is playing in every (!) scene. He performs a multitude of different emotions wonderfully: being amazed, being surprised, be confused, being angry, being sad and being humoristic ("I think this one looks a bit like you."). The director really did a great job. The scenery of the movie is also very beautiful. We see the wide countryside of Belgium in a splendid way! In short, this movie really is a great recommendation.

Yes, I believe it is. The film does an excellent job of portraying real love, showing that it's not always joyful or simple. It delves into the struggles teenagers face in expressing emotions, navigating relationships, and finding their place in the world. The story conveys a wide range of emotions in a way that feels genuine and engaging. Throughout the movie, the tension builds steadily, keeping you invested and wondering how it will end. Both Elias and Alexander deliver remarkable performances, bringing depth and nuance to their challenging roles. This film truly surprised me, and I highly recommend it!

Young Hearts twists at your emotional heartstrings throughout. A film that for many has and will evoke a powerful range of feelings.

To watch Young Hearts brings up a sense of loss, and missed or stolen opportunities. Many who yearn for the same feelings, connections and setting that surround the two main characters will feel the film's outwardly positive story in the depth of their heart.

At the heart of the entire film lies a performance from Lou Goossens playing Elias that comfortably matches or exceeds the greatest performance by a young actor in recent times. Deservedly recognised, Goossens combines raw emotion with regular displays of confusion and uncertainty as he struggles to come to terms with his identity in the presence of the more confident, self-assured new neighbour Alexander, played with vigour and swagger by Marius De Saeger who perfectly matches his character.

The film, marking the feature debut of director Anthony Schatteman squeezes every drop out of the idyllic setting, giving the feelings of a classic high school summer romance. Yet, this is combined with a charm that connects you immediately to both main characters, but particularly Elias who dominates the entire movie both literally in terms of screen time and emotionally as the film almost entirely relays his journey of discovery, love, heartbreak and identity.

It is no exaggeration to amplify Goossens' performance again who carries the entire film almost single-handedly. There is rarely a scene or even shot in the film that does not contain Elias so naturally everything gravitates towards and around him. This does not distract from the performance of De Saeger who is perfectly cast as Alexander. Embodying the cool new boy from the big city, Alexander is comfortable in his new surroundings and instantly finds himself liked and welcomed into the group of friends already containing Elias.

Alexander's comfort in his own identity, happily and almost instantly admitting to Elias that he used to be in love with another boy, contrasts with Elias' less developed feelings. Over 87 minutes, we travel through Elias' personal journey.

The film does not try to create conflict where it might appear natural to do so. The film is a wholly positive take in regards to LGBT attitudes with the small amount of teasing from school bullies amounting to little more than a vehicle to drive self-doubt in Elias. Whilst this sanitised version of life in a small Belgian village will not ring true for many who watch, the film does not try to pretend this is the reality of the world today but takes us inside an almost fairytale-like adventure.

The film is not perfect, no film can be. But it is great and great movies allow you to explore any flaws whilst keeping everything in context of how good the film is despite them. The film too often doesn't give its bigger moments more time to breathe and to let its characters explore the development of their feelings, choosing to move into the next scene and progress the story. A few extra minutes here and there would have allowed this, however modern filmmaking is not that simple. As such, with a strict schedule, budget and the like, the director has given us nothing short of a modern masterpiece.

Young Hearts is not the first film to deal with LGBTQ+ themes among young people, nowhere near in fact. Gay representation both among adults, young adults and adolescents has been increasingly portrayed in recent years. Where Young Hearts is both masterful and unique in approaching the relationship between Elias and Alexander in a completely innocent way. The focus is kept purely on the characters making this a family film that can be enjoyed by everyone and no doubt will likely help many people who are or have experienced exactly what Elias experiences throughout.

In short, Young Hearts has announced itself onto the scene to a reaction around the world that defies its limited budget, lesser-known cast and the language barrier which many English-speaking nations still find hard to overcome. Through a combination of incredible acting, storytelling and music - magnificently scored by Ruben de Gheselle, Young Hearts has secured a lasting place in LGBTQ+ cinema. It is the ultimate feel-good coming-of-age film. All anchored by a performance from Goossens that would likely be attracting serious award recognition were foreign, non-English speaking actors better appreciated by the major US/UK award venues. It is a barnstorming performance that will make you truly feel the visceral anguish Elias is going through.

Fresh off watching "Young Hearts," I'm still reeling from its quiet power and undeniable charm. Oh my goodness, this isn't just a good movie; it's a truly special film, radiating authenticity from every frame. At its core, "Young Hearts" delicately explores the blossoming connection between two teenagers, Elias, wonderfully portrayed by Lou Goossens, and Alexander, brought to life with captivating nuance by Marius De Saeger. The film beautifully captures the tentative steps of young romance, the awkwardness, the excitement, and the unexpected challenges that arise as they begin to see the world, and themselves, in a new light. It's a master class in understated storytelling and, without a shadow of a doubt, a coming-of-age movie that deserves to be seen by everyone. The sweet, gentle tones of the soundtrack weave beautifully throughout, perfectly complementing the emotional landscape of the story. But where "Young Hearts" truly shines is in its young leads. Lou Goossens and Marius De Saeger deliver performances that are nothing short of phenomenal, capturing the raw vulnerability and burgeoning emotions of adolescence with breathtaking skill. And speaking of phenomenal performances, a special mention must be given to Dirk Van Dijck as Grandpa. He serves as a quiet anchor and source of wisdom for Elias, offering a perspective that gently guides him through the complexities of growing up. The portrayal of their relationship is so tender and genuine; it's the kind of authentic grandpa/grandson connection rarely witnessed on screen and a true highlight of the film.

As an American viewer, watching "Young Hearts" brought with it a bittersweet feeling. It's genuinely sad that cinema like this doesn't find its way into mainstream theaters here. This isn't a spectacle-driven blockbuster; it's a real, emotionally resonant story about universal experiences - love, family, and self-discovery - and the majority of people who won't have the chance to experience its beauty are truly missing out on something profound. "Young Hearts," led by the exceptional talents of Lou Goossens, Marius De Saeger, and the heartwarming presence of Dirk Van Dijck, isn't just a movie; it's a little masterpiece that stays with you long after the credits roll.