Young Hearts

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.

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!

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.

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.