“Young Hearts“ is a summery coming-of-age film that tells of the first great love and the emotional turmoil of the beginning of puberty with lightness and full of sympathy for its young protagonists. Similar to Lukas Dhont's outstanding youth drama “Close”, also produced in Belgium, which featured characters of the same age and a comparable starting situation, “Young Hearts” also offers a sensitive examination of the challenges of growing up.
Where “Close” leaves the innocent, summery atmosphere behind after a dramatic turning point, Anthony Schatteman’s first feature film has an optimistic, romantic mood throughout, which even brings back memories of the Netflix hit series “Heartstopper”. Even though the director takes seriously the fears and insecurities of the 14-year-old protagonist as he struggles with his emerging feelings, “Young Hearts” is a fundamentally positive film about finding identity and coming out – as well as a touching plea for the universality of love.
Elias (Lou Goossens, pictured left) has a huge crush on his new neighbor Alexander (Marius De Saeger), but doesn't dare openly admit it.
Elias (Lou Goossens) is 14 years old and lives with his family in a village in Belgium. His father (Geert Van Rampelberg), an aspiring pop singer, is completely focused on his career and therefore doesn't notice what's going on with his son. When Alexander (Marius De Saeger), who is the same age, moves into the house next door, Elias immediately feels drawn to him. The two quickly become friends, and Elias realizes that he feels more for the self-confident classmate. When Elias asks his new neighbor if he has ever been in love, Alexander openly tells him that he likes boys.
Although Elias is happy about this revelation, he doesn't know how to deal with his own feelings. Confused, he tries to keep his affection for Alexander secret. He denies it to friends and increasingly distances himself from his family. In his inner conflict, he looks for orientation, but only his grandfather (Dirk Van Dijck) finds access to him and shows understanding for his situation. Elias is faced with the challenge of finding himself and owning his feelings…
It couldn't be more personal
With his debut film, Anthony Schatteman brings to the screen a deeply personal story that, according to his own statement, he could have used even in his youth to better deal with his emotions. The script is based on his own experience with first love as well as his exploration of his sexuality and his coming out. The filming therefore took place at the director's former home, who attended the same school as a 14-year-old and cycled through the same meadows that can now be seen in the film. Many of the characters are inspired by Schatteman's family members and friends.
“Young Hearts” also follows on from his first short film “Kiss Me Softly” from 2012, which already dealt with topics such as first love and the insecurities of growing up – individual scenes from the short film can now also be found in a modified form Feature film again. Schatteman does an excellent job of meeting his young actors at eye level and conveying Elias's first, tender feelings of happiness, fears and insecurities in an authentic way. The viewer delves deeply into the world of a 14-year-old who experiences for the first time the uncertainty and beauty of still innocent love.
Elias' grandfather (Dirk Van Dijck) is the one who offers his nephews the most guidance during this challenging phase.
The great actors Lou Goossens and Marius De Saeger play a decisive role in the emotional authenticity of the film. Before the two actors were selected, more than 1,500 young people were cast. In the final decision, Schatteman was supported by his director colleague Lukas Dhont, who has already demonstrated a keen sense for choosing young leading actors in his films “Girl” and “Close”. Marius De Saeger gives the newly arrived Alexander a mixture of coolness and at the same time an accessible, sensitive nature.
Lou Goossens, on the other hand, impresses with his portrayal of a teenager who is completely overwhelmed by his overwhelming feelings and doesn't know how to deal with his newly discovered love for his classmate. Even though Elias has difficulty talking about his emotions, Goossens' facial expressions always clearly convey what's going on inside him – be it excitement, depression or panic. The actors bring the burgeoning feelings between the two boys to life with remarkable naturalness and intensity.
Conclusion: “Young Hearts” is a warm-hearted youth film about first love that gives hope for an open and self-determined approach to sexual identities and encourages you to stand up for your own feelings.
We saw “Young Hearts” at the 21st Festival de Sevilla.