Finding young hearts 2024 showtimes has become a bit of a scavenger hunt for film buffs lately. Honestly, it’s the kind of movie that sneaks up on you. One minute it’s winning a Special Mention at the Berlinale, and the next, everyone in your group chat is asking if it’s finally playing at the local indie house. Directed by Anthony Schatteman, this Belgian-Dutch gem isn't your typical "coming out" tragedy. It’s light. It’s bright. It’s basically the cinematic equivalent of a warm summer afternoon in the Flemish countryside.
Why Everyone Is Hunting for Young Hearts 2024 Showtimes
If you’ve been tracking the festival circuit, you know the buzz around Young Hearts (originally Jonge Harten) is real. It follows Elias, a 14-year-old kid whose life is pretty standard—merch tables for his dad’s singing gigs, hanging with friends—until Alexander moves in next door. Alexander is from the city. He’s confident. He’s openly out. For a different look, read: this related article.
The struggle here isn't about mean bullies or dramatic family disowning; it’s all internal. Elias is just trying to figure out why his heart is doing backflips for the new boy instead of the girl he’s "supposed" to like.
Current Theatrical Windows and Festival Runs
Right now, catching a screening depends heavily on where you’re standing. In Europe, the film had a rolling release starting in late 2024 and hitting major markets like Romania and Mexico in early 2025. For those in the UK, showtimes spiked around August 2025. Further reporting on the subject has been shared by Entertainment Weekly.
In the U.S. and Canada, the film has largely been a "festival darling." If you missed the SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) or Frameline in San Francisco, you’re likely looking at boutique cinema runs.
- Indie Theaters: Look at places like the Roxie in San Francisco or the Music Box in Chicago. They often pick up these titles for week-long stints.
- LGBTQ+ Festivals: This is where the movie truly lives. From the OUTshine festival in Florida to the Vancouver Queer Film Festival, these events are the most reliable spots for theater-quality sound and the "communal cry" experience.
Digital Showtimes: When Can You Stream It?
If your local theater isn't biting, the digital landscape is your best bet. Strand Releasing handles the U.S. distribution, and they usually move titles to VOD (Video on Demand) about 3 to 6 months after the festival peak.
As of early 2026, you can find the movie on a few specific platforms:
- BFI Player: Especially for those in the UK, this has been a primary hub for rentals.
- Amazon & Apple TV: It’s available for digital purchase or rental in most North American territories.
- Hoopla: Surprisingly, if you have a library card, you can often stream it here for free. It’s a total life hack for indie cinema.
What the Critics Get Wrong About the 2024 Release
Some reviewers compare Young Hearts to Lukas Dhont’s Close. Yeah, they’re both Belgian and both about young boys, but that’s where the similarity ends. Close will wreck your soul. Young Hearts wants to give you a hug.
Schatteman has been vocal about wanting to create a "safe" story. He drew from his own awkward childhood to show that sometimes, the biggest obstacle is just the fear of being different, even when the people around you are actually pretty cool about it. Lou Goossens, who plays Elias, is the standout here. His performance is so raw and twitchy that you’ll probably find yourself cringing in sympathy during the school scenes.
Technical Specs for the Nerds
- Runtime: 97 minutes (short, sweet, no filler).
- Language: Mostly Dutch and French (get ready for subtitles).
- Score: Ruben De Gheselle won Belgian Film Composer of the Year for this, and the music is genuinely haunting in the best way possible.
How to Stay Updated on Local Showtimes
Since this isn't a Marvel movie, you won't see a billboard for it. To find young hearts 2024 showtimes near you, I’d suggest setting a Google Alert for the film title + your city.
Also, check the "Coming Soon" sections of local art-house theaters. They usually program these films three weeks out. If you're in a smaller town, your best bet is honestly the digital route.
The film is a reminder that first love doesn't have to be a disaster. It can just be... a beginning.
Next Steps for Viewers:
- Check your local Indie Cinema: Search for "independent theaters near me" and look specifically at their "Limited Engagement" or "International" tabs.
- Verify Streaming Availability: Search for the title on JustWatch to see if it has moved from "Rental" to a subscription service like Netflix or MUBI in your region.
- Support the Filmmakers: If you can't find a showtime, buying the digital copy on platforms like Apple TV helps ensure more queer-positive stories like this get funded in the future.