5 Intimate Secrets Behind The Success Of 'Young Hearts' (2024) Full Movie: Cast, Plot, And Streaming Guide

The 2024 film Young Hearts has quickly cemented its place as a pivotal work in modern queer cinema, offering a tender and unflinching look at first love and sexual awakening. Released to critical acclaim following its premiere at the Berlinale, this Belgian/Dutch co-production dives deep into the emotional landscape of adolescence, capturing the universal feeling of discovery through a specific, intimate lens. As of today, December 15, 2025, the movie is widely available on various Video-on-Demand (VOD) platforms, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a fresh, nuanced coming-of-age story that transcends genre boundaries.

The film’s success is rooted in its authentic performances and the delicate direction of Anthony Schatteman, who manages to portray complex teenage emotions without resorting to melodrama. This article breaks down the essential details of the movie, from the breakout stars who brought the story to life to the powerful themes that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Meet the Breakout Stars and Visionary Director: Full Filmography & Biographies

The emotional core of Young Hearts rests entirely on the shoulders of its young, relatively unknown lead actors, supported by the clear vision of its debut feature director. Their profiles are essential to understanding the film’s authentic atmosphere.

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Lou Goossens (Elias)

• Role in Young Hearts: Elias, the 14-year-old protagonist whose world is turned upside down by the arrival of his new neighbor.
• Date of Birth: February 24, 2009.
• Nationality: Belgian.
• Career Highlights: Goossens is a rising Belgian child actor whose performance in Young Hearts is his most prominent role to date, earning him significant recognition and praise for his portrayal of vulnerability and burgeoning sexuality. He is known for his natural screen presence and ability to convey deep emotion with subtle expressions.
• Personal Note: He has a brother, Jul, who is also involved in acting, suggesting a family connection to the arts.

Marius De Saeger (Alexander)

• Role in Young Hearts: Alexander, the new neighbor whose confident and casual demeanor sparks a profound attraction in Elias.
• Date of Birth: September 28, 2009.
• Nationality: Belgian (Born in Brussels).
• Career Highlights: De Saeger gained prominence as the co-lead in Anthony Schatteman's feature debut. His performance as Alexander—a character who is both a catalyst and a mirror for Elias's self-discovery—is noted for its compelling blend of youthful swagger and hidden sensitivity. He is considered a rising star in the Belgian entertainment scene.

Anthony Schatteman (Director)

• Date of Birth: 1989.
• Nationality: Belgian.
• Education: Graduated from the KASK School of Arts in Ghent and holds a Master’s degree in Film Studies.
• Directorial Focus: Schatteman’s work, including his short films, consistently focuses on the world of young people, navigating their relationships, and exploring their awakening sexuality with a delicate, non-judgmental approach.
• Selected Filmography (Shorts): Northern Lights, L'Homme Inconnu, Leef, Petit Ami, and Hello, Stranger. Young Hearts marks his highly successful feature film debut.

1. The Nuanced Plot: A Tender Tale of First Queer Love in a Small Town

The premise of Young Hearts is deceptively simple, yet its execution is rich with emotional complexity. The film centers on Elias, a 14-year-old boy living in a quiet, small Belgian village. His world is one of schoolyard friendships, the awkwardness of early adolescence, and a strained relationship with his father, who is often preoccupied.

The narrative truly ignites with the arrival of Alexander, a boy the same age who moves in next door. Alexander’s presence acts as a powerful catalyst for Elias’s sexual awakening. The film meticulously documents the slow, hesitant, and exhilarating process of Elias realizing and acting on his attraction to Alexander. This is not a story defined by external conflict or societal prejudice, but rather by the internal turmoil and vulnerability of discovering one's identity and experiencing first love.

Critics have praised the film for its "tender and nuanced portrayal of queer love," noting its refreshing refusal to overly "problematize" the central relationship. Instead, the focus remains on the universal emotions of discovery, connection, and the painful realism of a first, intense crush. This shift in focus is what makes Young Hearts feel so fresh and vital in the modern cinematic landscape.

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2. Capturing the Vulnerability of Sexual Awakening: Themes and Topical Authority

Young Hearts is more than just a romance; it is a profound study in adolescent vulnerability, securing its place as a work of topical authority in the coming-of-age genre. The film explores several deep, interconnected themes that resonate far beyond the central relationship.

The Power of the Unsaid and Universal Emotion

A significant strength of the film, as noted by viewers, is how much is communicated without dialogue. The actors, particularly Lou Goossens, convey the confusion, excitement, and fear of Elias’s awakening through subtle glances, body language, and moments of shared silence. The film suggests that while the relationship is queer, the emotions—the thrill of a first touch, the anxiety of rejection, the deep need for connection—are "completely universal." This focus allows the movie to appeal to a broad audience, regardless of their own sexual orientation or background.

Father-Son Dynamics and Masculinity

The narrative weaves in Elias's struggle for his father’s attention, a common thread in many adolescent stories. This secondary plotline subtly contrasts Elias's emerging identity with the traditional, perhaps emotionally distant, masculinity represented by his father. The emotional distance at home amplifies Elias's need for connection, making his bond with Alexander even more crucial to his development.

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A Positive, Unassuming Narrative

In a genre often saturated with trauma and tragedy, Young Hearts is celebrated for being "sweet and unassuming." It avoids the typical narrative tropes of intense homophobia or dramatic external obstacles, choosing instead to focus on the inner life of the teenager. This positive, matter-of-fact approach to a same-sex relationship is a powerful statement, normalizing queer love simply by showing it as a natural part of growing up.

3. Festival Acclaim and Critical Reception

The journey of Young Hearts from a Flemish debut feature to an internationally recognized film highlights its quality and impact. Its selection for several prestigious festivals immediately signaled its importance.

• Berlinale 2024: The film had its world premiere at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in the Generation 14plus section, a showcase for films focusing on young people.
• Teddy Award: The director, Anthony Schatteman, and the film’s themes align with the spirit of the Teddy Award, which celebrates films with queer subject matter at the Berlinale.
• General Consensus: Reviews have consistently highlighted the film's painful realism, touching sincerity, and honest portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster of first love. It is frequently described as a cozy, comfort version of the coming-of-age genre, a film that prioritizes warmth and authenticity.

4. Where to Watch the 'Young Hearts' Full Movie Now (2025 Streaming Update)

For those looking to watch Young Hearts today, the film has transitioned from its limited theatrical and festival run to widespread digital availability, making the "full movie" accessible to global audiences.

The film had a release in late 2024, and its distribution model is primarily VOD (Video-on-Demand) in many major markets. You can find the full 99-minute feature on the following platforms:

• Rental and Purchase: The most common way to watch is by renting or purchasing the film digitally on platforms such as Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home.
• Streaming Services: In some territories, the film has been picked up by major streaming services, including a potential run on platforms like HBO Max. It is always best to check local availability on services like JustWatch to confirm current streaming rights in your region.
• Physical Media: A Blu-ray and DVD release has been handled by distributors like Peccadillo Pictures in certain regions.

The film is rated as "Not Rated" in some listings, but given its themes of sexual awakening and intimate relationships, viewers should expect a mature, though sensitively handled, portrayal of teenage intimacy.

5. Why 'Young Hearts' Resonates with a Global Audience

The lasting impact of Young Hearts lies in its ability to take a specific story—two boys in a small Flemish town—and make it feel universally relatable. The film is a powerful reminder that the process of falling in love and discovering oneself is messy, beautiful, and fundamentally human, regardless of gender or location.

Director Anthony Schatteman's masterful choice to focus on the internal journey rather than external conflict has created a film that is both a vital piece of queer cinema and a timeless addition to the coming-of-age genre. It is a story about the quiet courage it takes to be vulnerable, and the profound, life-altering experience of sharing your true self with another person for the very first time.