Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
Two teen track stars discover first love as they train for the biggest relay race of their young lives.
Boys (2014) is a gentle, sincere Dutch coming-of-age romance that handles its LGBT themes with tenderness and authenticity. The plot is straightforward but emotionally resonant, following two teen runners discovering first love with quiet restraint. Acting from the young leads is naturalistic and believable. Cinematography is clean and pastoral, capturing the summer atmosphere effectively without being particularly distinctive. Novelty is moderate — while the film treats its gay romance with refreshing sincerity and lack of melodrama, the coming-out narrative framework is familiar territory, though its gentle, hopeful tone gives it a distinct emotional texture. The ending is understated and fitting for the film's tone, avoiding easy resolution while remaining hopeful. A solid, well-regarded small film that earns its reputation through emotional honesty rather than technical ambition.