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Torres is so relaxed and earnest that he never seems to be acting. Hector may be a country boy, but he's not naive. Curious about everything, he boldly approaches each experience. He also gets likeably nervous now and then as he navigates this new world. The other characters enter and leave quietly as if they have no other life away from Hector, which of course is the point. But the actors bring quiet personality to each encounter, and these details add to the realism.

There's a sense that Fuguet has made this film by stringing together a series of gay bedroom fantasies (perhaps memories?), and the explicit sex can feel somewhat invasive. But that's perhaps due to the way movies usually shy so far away from such honest depictions. The film's pungent observation centres on Hector's diverging path from Carlos, who stays on the family ranch to find a wife and kids as expected. Hector wants to give the city a try, and also let the city try him.

themes, language, sexuality

11.Jul.19

Zemljic brings layers of texture to Andrej, letting the audience see his doubts about this violent lifestyle. This makes him intriguingly sympathetic, simply because it's clear that he's not as nasty as he pretends to be. Andrej's journey is often painful to watch, as he tries to fit in, ending up deeper and deeper in trouble. And the way Zemljic quietly reveals his doubts and insecurities is often wrenching. By contrast, Sturbej and Markun are playing charismatic, relentlessly vicious thugs with few redeeming qualities. Even their loyalty is cruelly conditional.

Where the film goes is rather bleak, especially as it begins to explore the issue of sexuality from a variety of angles that aren't often seen on-camera. This is an unflinching depiction of a segment of the population that simply has never got a grip on any sense of purpose in life. And the film quietly suggests that this perhaps isn't their fault, as their parents created this mess, then blamed the kids for it. It's a strikingly bold feature debut for the gifted Stante, definitely a filmmaker to keep an eye on.

themes, language, violence, sexuality, drugs

19.Mar.19

Anceaux is superb as a teen blamed for a massive storm he had no part in creating. The actor beautifully underplays Nathan's isolation. Houplain skilfully portrays Louis as he navigates his hyper-macho father (Putzulu) while fighting a nasty internal battle and hiding in a relationship with Laura (Kramarz). Actors playing parents and teachers are also excellent, each on his or her own path. Standouts include Jacob as a teacher who knows this story too well. "It takes courage not to lie to yourself," she bravely tells her class. "Where's the courage of those who hit Nathan?"

Clearly the point is that homophobia must be taught from a young age, especially to children whose parents object to that idea. Ignoring the issue creates a toxic society that encourages violence and hatred based on fear. One of the most casually telling moments is when Louis' parents are talking about the new gay boy in school, and Louis' young brother asks what that means. "Eat your tomatoes," his dad says, then to Louis, "Keep your distance." And this is even more damaging than other, more violent homophobia this film presents with remarkable sensitivity.

themes, language, violence

13.Jul.19