Release: 2024-10-26
Runtime: 1h 40m (100 minutes)
Fourteen-year-old Elias increasingly feels like an outsider in his village. When he meets his new neighbour of the same age, Alexander, Elias is confronted with his burgeoning sexuality.
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Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Drama, Romance
Cast: Lou Goossens, Marius De Saeger, Jul Goossens, more
Lou Goossens
as Elias
Marius De Saeger
as Alexander
Jul Goossens
as Maxime
Wim Opbrouck
as Tony
Saar Rogiers
as Valerie
Geert Van Rampelberg
as Luk
Dirk van Dijck
as Fred
Emilie De Roo
as Nathalie
Olga De Saeger
as Ella
Ezra van Dongen
as Line
Olivier Debaere
as Bully
Jill Malfroot
as Lukas
Anthony Schatteman
Director
Anthony Schatteman
Writer
Floor Onrust
Co-Producer
Jacqueline Hoogendijk
Makeup Artist
Xavier Rombaut
Producer
Pieter Van Campe
Director of Photography
Kato Bulteel
Production Design
Gudrun Wylleman
Costume Design
Chinouk Meurer
Makeup Artist
Emiel Nuninga
Editor
Ruben De Gheselle
Original Music Composer
Annabella Nezri
Co-Producer
Fourteen-year-old Elias increasingly feels like an outsider in his village. When he meets his new neighbour of the same age, Alexander, Elias is confronted with his burgeoning sexuality.
Young Hearts is a coming-of-age drama set to be released in the United States on 14 February 2025. Directed and written by Anthony Schatteman, this film marks his feature directorial debut. It tells the touching story of a 14-year-old boy named Elias, who finds himself falling in love with his new neighbor, Alexander.
The film, a collaboration between Belgian and Dutch production companies, premiered on 17 February 2024, at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, competing in the Generation Kplus category for the prestigious Crystal Bear award.
Elias, a typical teenager from the Belgian countryside, develops a bond with Alexander, a self-assured boy from the bustling city of Brussels. As their friendship deepens, Alexander opens up about his past love for another boy, prompting Elias to reflect on his own feelings. Despite the blossoming love between them, Elias grapples with fear and anxiety about being judged, leading him to withdraw from Alexander and his loved ones.
In a pivotal moment, a heartfelt conversation with his grandfather sheds light on enduring love, pushing Elias to confront his fears. Realizing that love is far too significant to let slip away, he musters the courage to reconnect with Alexander, symbolizing a brave step toward embracing who he truly is.
The cast of Young Hearts features:
The journey to create Young Hearts began in 2019, with production officially announced by Schatteman on 31 May 2022. Casting calls were held for young actors, with over 1,500 auditions reviewed. Filming took place over 28 days starting in August 2023.
Anthony Schatteman drew inspiration from his own experiences as a youth, aiming to create a universal story about love and self-discovery that resonates with audiences of all ages. The movie touches on themes of identity and the challenges that come with growing up.
Following its premiere, Young Hearts was showcased at various prestigious film festivals, including the Seattle International Film Festival in May 2024 and the Cannes Film Festival on 22 May 2024. It also screened at the Inside Out Film and Video Festival on 28 May 2024.
Critics have praised the film for its authentic portrayal of first love and the complexities of teenage emotions. Aurore Engelen from Cineuropa described it as "an authentic coming-of-age tale," while Catherine Bray from Variety commended the film's emotional honesty and the performances of its young leads.
With its heartwarming story and relatable themes, Young Hearts is set to connect with audiences when it hits theaters in early 2025.
