You’ve probably seen the clips. Those golden-hour shots of two boys on bicycles, the kind of scenery that makes you want to pack a bag and move to the Flemish countryside immediately. Honestly, if you’re looking for the young hearts full movie in english, you aren't alone. It’s been trending for a reason. But here's the thing: there are actually two movies with this title floating around the internet right now, and if you click the wrong one, you’re going to be very confused.
Most people are currently hunting for the 2024 (or 2025, depending on where you live) Belgian gem directed by Anthony Schatteman. It’s a queer coming-of-age story that feels less like a "movie" and more like a memory you forgot you had. It premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and has been slowly rolling out globally ever since.
What is Young Hearts actually about?
The story follows Elias, a 14-year-old kid living a pretty standard life in a small village. He’s got a girlfriend, a supportive family, and a routine. Then Alexander moves in across the street. Alexander is from Brussels. He’s confident. He’s cool. And unlike Elias, he’s already figured out that he likes boys.
The movie basically tracks the internal earthquake Elias experiences. It’s not a story about external bullies or dramatic "coming out" tragedies. It’s much quieter than that. Most of the conflict happens inside Elias's head. He pushes Alexander away, gets angry for no reason, and tries to retreat into his shell because he’s terrified of what he’s feeling.
One of the best scenes—seriously, keep an eye out for this—involves Elias’s grandfather, Fred. Instead of some "it gets better" speech, they have this incredibly grounded talk about love and loss that finally gives Elias the nudge he needs. It’s rare to see a film where the older generation is the anchor of acceptance rather than the obstacle.
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The "Other" Young Hearts Movie
Just a heads-up so you don't waste your time: there is another film called Young Hearts from 2020. It was produced by the Duplass Brothers and stars Anjini Taneja Azhar and Quinn Liebling. That one is set in Portland and follows a high school freshman falling for her brother's best friend. It's a great indie flick, but if you’re looking for the Belgian story about Elias and Alexander, that’s not it.
Is there a Young Hearts full movie in English?
Since the main movie people are talking about is Belgian, it was filmed in Dutch (Flemish).
If you want to watch the young hearts full movie in english, you are most likely looking for the version with English subtitles. As of late 2025 and heading into 2026, the film has been picked up for distribution by Strand Releasing in the US and Peccadillo Pictures in the UK.
You can typically find it on:
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- Apple TV (Buy or Rent)
- Amazon Prime Video (Available in many regions with subtitles)
- Google Play & YouTube Movies
- BFI Player (For those of you in the UK)
Don't expect a dubbed version. Dubbing often ruins the performances of young actors like Lou Goossens (Elias) and Marius De Saeger (Alexander). Their chemistry is so subtle—a lot of it is just in the eyes—that you really want to hear their original voices.
Why this movie feels different
I’ve watched a lot of these "first love" movies. Most of them feel like they were written by 40-year-olds trying to remember what it was like to be a teenager, and they usually get it wrong. They make the kids sound like philosophers.
In Young Hearts, the kids actually act like kids. They make dumb mistakes. They are awkward. They look like they haven't quite grown into their limbs yet. Director Anthony Schatteman based much of this on his own childhood, and you can tell. It’s shot in his home village, which gives it this authentic, lived-in vibe.
Critics have been mostly glowing, though some people think the ending is "too happy." There’s a bit of a debate online about whether the movie is too idealistic. Some viewers argue that it doesn't show enough of the "hardships" of being a queer teen in a small town. But honestly? Maybe we need more movies where the main character isn't traumatized by everyone around him. Sometimes the hardest battle is just accepting yourself.
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Quick Facts for the Fans
- Director: Anthony Schatteman (his feature debut!).
- Runtime: About 97-99 minutes.
- Cast: Lou Goossens, Marius De Saeger, and Geert Van Rampelberg.
- Vibe: If you liked Close (2022) but wished it was less depressing, this is your movie.
How to watch it right now
If you’re ready to watch, your best bet is to check the major VOD platforms. It’s also popped up on Kanopy in some regions, which is free if you have a library card.
If it’s not available in your country yet, keep an eye on indie cinema listings. It’s been touring the festival circuit—Cannes, Seattle, Berlin—and usually hits streaming a few months after those runs.
Actionable Next Steps
To see if the movie is currently available in your specific region, head over to JustWatch or Letterboxd. Search for "Young Hearts 2024" to ensure you are getting the Belgian film. If it's not on your favorite streaming service yet, you can add it to your "Watchlist" to get a notification the second it drops on platforms like Netflix or MUBI.
Check the technical specs before you rent. You want to make sure it lists Dutch audio with English subtitles so you get the full experience.