If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you might have seen clips of two teenage boys in the Belgian countryside, looking at each other with that kind of terrifying, wide-eyed intensity that only exists when you're fourteen. That’s the young hearts movie 2024. Honestly, it’s refreshing. While Hollywood is busy pumping out high-octane sequels, director Anthony Schatteman quietly dropped this debut feature that feels like a warm hug—or maybe a punch to the gut, depending on how much you remember about your own first crush.
The story isn't some complex thriller. It’s basically about Elias, a kid who has a pretty "perfect" life on paper. He’s got a girlfriend, a supportive mom, and a dad who’s basically a local celebrity because he writes catchy, slightly cringey pop songs. Everything is fine until Alexander moves in next door. Alexander is from Brussels, he’s confident, and he plays the piano. Suddenly, Elias isn’t so sure about that perfect life anymore.
What actually happens in Young Hearts (2024)?
The plot revolves around Elias’s internal meltdown. Lou Goossens, who plays Elias, does this incredible thing where you can see his brain short-circuiting every time Alexander (Marius De Saeger) is near. It’s not just "boy meets boy." It’s "boy meets boy and realizes his entire identity might be a performance."
One thing that makes the young hearts movie 2024 stand out is the lack of a "villain." Sure, there are some bullies who pop up briefly, but they aren't the point. The real conflict is inside Elias. He pushes Alexander away. He gets angry. He breaks up with his girlfriend, Valerie, in a way that’s honestly kind of messy and selfish, but also very "fourteen."
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The Grandfather Factor
If there’s a breakout star in the supporting cast, it’s Dirk Van Dijck as the grandfather, Fred. When Elias is at his lowest—having alienated his friends and feeling like a total outsider—his granddad is the one who steps in. There’s this beautiful, understated parallel where we learn the grandfather had his own "Alexander" once. It gives the movie a sense of history. It’s not just a "Gen Z" story; it’s a human one.
Why the "Too Nice" Criticism is Kind of Wrong
I’ve read a few reviews where critics complain the movie is too "fairytale-like." They argue that the world is too accepting, that everyone is too supportive, and it lacks "real-world" stakes.
I disagree.
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Director Anthony Schatteman has been pretty open about wanting to create a "Disney-like" feel-good experience for queer kids. For decades, LGBTQ+ cinema was defined by tragedy, the AIDS crisis, or violent rejection. The young hearts movie 2024 deliberately chooses a different path. It shows us what the world could look like. By making the environment supportive, the film forces us to focus entirely on Elias’s psychological journey. That’s plenty of conflict on its own.
A Technical Masterpiece in Disguise
Don't let the "simple" story fool you. The craft here is top-tier.
- The Colors: The cinematography by Pieter Van Campe uses a warm, golden palette. It feels like a long summer afternoon.
- The Music: Ruben De Gheselle’s score is mostly piano-based, mirroring Alexander’s influence on Elias. But when Elias gets angry or depressed? The guitar kicks in. It’s a subtle way to track his mental state without him having to say a word.
- The Script: It’s in Dutch and French, but honestly, you could watch this on mute and still get it. The "acting in the eyes" is that good.
Where Can You Watch It?
The rollout for this movie has been a bit slow depending on where you live. It hit Belgian theaters in late 2024 and did the festival circuit—winning a Crystal Bear Special Mention at the Berlinale.
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Currently, in the US and UK, you can find it on VOD platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play. If you’re a physical media nerd, Peccadillo Pictures released a pretty great Collector’s Edition Blu-ray that includes Schatteman’s 2012 short film, Kus me zachtjes.
Actionable Insights for Your Watchlist
If you're planning to dive into the young hearts movie 2024, here is how to get the most out of it:
- Don't skip the subtitles: Even if you find a dubbed version, the original Dutch/French performances carry a weight that’s hard to translate. The vocal fry and hesitation in the boys' voices are part of the storytelling.
- Watch it with family: Despite the "queer" label, Schatteman calls this a family film. It’s a great conversation starter for parents and teens about identity and first loves.
- Pay attention to the background music: Notice how the dad’s pop songs contrast with the quiet, acoustic score. It represents the "fake" world Elias is trying to live in versus the "real" feelings he has for Alexander.
- Check out the director's short films: If you like the vibe, Kus me zachtjes (2012) is basically the spiritual predecessor to this movie.
This isn't just a movie about being gay. It’s a movie about the terrifying moment you realize you have a heart, and that it can be given to someone else. It's messy, it's sweet, and it's easily one of the best coming-of-age stories of the decade.
Next Steps:
Check your local streaming availability on platforms like Amazon Prime or Apple TV. If you’re a fan of films like Close or Call Me By Your Name, but want something with a bit more hope, this is your next watch. Grab some tissues—you’ll probably need them for the grandfather scenes.