FIRST LOVE LIGHTS THE FIRE IN YOUR HEART, SWEET LIKE HONEY, SENDS YOU SPINNING AROUND…

This fictional story begins with a man singing those lyrics, and they introduce us to the young hearts of the protagonists.

Fourteen-year-old Eli as (Lou Goossens) is growing up in a nice European family and has the loving care of his grandfather who owns a farm somewhere in the Netherlands.

One day, he is aware they have new neighbors, afterwards at school he meets Alexander (Marius De Saeger) and learns he and his immediate family come from Brussels.

Alexander and Elias enjoy each other’s company, they bike in beautiful surroundings and eat wild cherries by the river. Alexander reveals he is into boys and Elias’s certainties begin to crumble. 

On a sunny day, Alexander invites Elías to go to Brussels by train. In the city, Elias meets Alexander´s uncle and aunt, they have a place where Diva performs, and a nice mood is in the air, since all are crazy for life.

Back home awaits family, friend ties, and confusion. and Elias demonstrates internalized homophobia and conflict arises. since he is afraid to be judged and rejected because of the way he is, and feels.

Things flow like water in a river, perhaps the same river they swim at nearby… 

Grandfather invites Elias to visit The Ardennes, a place in his heart he cherished with Eliass´grandmother.  In that idyllic place confessions are made and Grandpa advises Elias to follow where his heart leads.

Is love too precious to let it slip away?

The film directed by by Anthony Schatteman had its World Premiere at Generation Section, Berlinale 2024.

 

Review by José Mayorga , Guatemala, Central America lawyer and notary public, visual artist, and editor of El Azar Cultural, lives and works in Guatemala City. Cinema lover, curious about the possibilities life brings and eager to live the experience.