Boys (Jongens) (Netherlands)

In Dutch with English subtitles.

The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, and has some of the most progressive LGBT rights in the worlds.

As we experience here in Canada, rights can take a long time to translate into changing everyday social reality, particularly outside large urban centres, where this film, with its picturesque settings, takes place.

Mischa Kamp's gently paced Boys (Jongens) is a reminder that the coming-out tale remains as relevant as ever, even in a country as liberal as the Netherlands.

Introverted teen Sieger (Gijs Blom) is picking up the familial slack left by his rebellious brother Eddie (Jonas Smulders), who is at odds with their widower father (Ton Kas). Sieger's dedication to training for track competitions impresses his coach enough to get him promoted to the relay-race team.

A tentative mutual attraction develops between him and teammate Marc (Ko Zandvliet). Marc is more secure in his sexuality but Sieger's ambivalence, which involves him becoming romantic with a girl, leads to inevitable tension both on the team and off as they prepare for a championship.

Kamp's sensitivity towards the unspoken turbulence, both within and between characters, beautifully conveys the nuances of coming out as well as the tenderness of first love. Thoughtful and unique cinematography also elevates the visual storytelling above the norm.

Unfortunately, the narrative never delves into why Sieger remains closeted while Marc, in comparison, is more self-accepting. As in life, many factors could be at play. However, the lack of psychological insight into the character's internal conflict doesn't help the well-trodden coming-out genre move forward, particularly within an era of significant LGBT progress. Although there are implied family pressures (such as his rebellious brother and his deceased mother), the ambiguity also doesn't help the audience appreciate what's at stake for Sieger. Furthermore, several tensions are resolved in rather disproportionately facile ways.

While the story doesn't necessarily break new ground, it does craft another worthy addition within the canon of queer cinema that will resonate with all those who have struggled to face the truth about their own heartbeats.

Boys plays on Sunday (November 30) at 4:30 p.m. at the Cinematheque as part of the European Union Film Festival.