Finding a movie that feels like a warm hug is rare. It’s even rarer when that movie deals with the awkward, stomach-flipping chaos of being fourteen and falling in love for the very first time. Young Hearts (originally titled Jonge Harten), the 2024 Belgian-Dutch drama directed by Anthony Schatteman, has been making waves on the festival circuit for exactly that reason. But because it’s an international indie film, tracking down the young hearts movie where to watch options can feel like a bit of a scavenger hunt.
Honestly, the search is worth it. This isn't your typical "tragedy-heavy" queer story. It’s sweet. It’s bright. It’s got a dad who sings lounge music at retirement homes. If you’ve been scouring the internet trying to figure out if it's on Netflix or if you need to rent it elsewhere, I’ve got the breakdown for you.
Where to Stream Young Hearts Right Now
Availability for this film depends heavily on where you are sitting at this exact moment. Because it was released by Strand Releasing in the US and had different distributors in Europe, the platforms vary.
United States Streaming and VOD
In the US, the movie skipped the big subscription platforms like Netflix or Hulu for its initial digital run. Instead, it took the "Video on Demand" (VOD) route. You can currently find it on:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or buy the digital version here.
- Apple TV / iTunes: Available for high-definition rental.
- Google Play & YouTube: Standard rental and purchase options.
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu): Usually has it in the indie or "new releases" section.
If you’re a fan of physical media (and yes, some of us still love a good shelf), a DVD was released through Strand Releasing. You can usually grab that on Amazon or specialized indie film shops.
UK and International Options
For those across the pond in the UK, the BFI Player is your best bet. They often carry these "Certified Fresh" festival darlings that larger streamers overlook. In some European territories, like Serbia or parts of the EU, there have been sightings of the film on HBO Max (or just Max), but this is very region-specific. Always check your local listings before you commit to a new subscription just for one title.
What is Young Hearts Actually About?
Elias is fourteen. He lives in a quiet town in the Belgian countryside. Life is... fine. He has a group of friends, a girl who is basically his girlfriend (though neither of them seems super into it), and a fairly supportive family.
Then Alexander moves in next door.
Alexander is from Brussels. He’s confident. He’s worldly. He’s also openly queer. The movie follows the internal tug-of-war Elias faces as he realizes his feelings for Alexander are way more than just "neighborly."
What makes this film stand out—and why people are searching for the young hearts movie where to watch so much—is the lack of crushing trauma. Director Anthony Schatteman intentionally wrote a story he wished he had seen as a kid. It’s about the internal struggle of acceptance rather than external villains beating the protagonist down. It’s refreshing. It’s gentle.
The Cast You Need to Know
- Lou Goossens (Elias): For a first-time actor, this kid is incredible. He carries the whole movie with just his facial expressions.
- Marius De Saeger (Alexander): The "cool city boy" who brings the catalyst for change into Elias's life.
- Geert Van Rampelberg (Luk): Plays Elias’s dad. He provides some of the most "human" moments in the film, including a recurring song that might actually get stuck in your head for days.
Is Young Hearts on Netflix or Hulu?
The short answer? No.
Usually, people expect every "coming-of-age" movie to land on Netflix eventually because of the success of shows like Heartstopper. However, Young Hearts is an independent production. While Netflix sometimes buys the rights to these films a year or two after their release, they haven't picked this one up for the global market yet.
Don't go looking for it on Disney+ either. While it’s a "family-friendly" movie in terms of its heart, it’s far too indie for the mouse house.
Why the Reviews Are So High
On IMDb, the movie has held an impressively high rating, often sitting above an 8.0 during its festival run. Critics at the Berlinale (where it premiered in the Generation 14plus section) compared it to Close (2022), but with a much happier ending.
One of the most touching parts of the film involves Elias’s grandfather, Fred. When Elias is struggling to make sense of his "inner chaos," his grandpa tells him a story about his own late wife. It’s a moment that bridges the generational gap and reminds the audience that love is just love, regardless of who it’s for.
Technical Details for the Film Nerds
If you’re worried about subtitles—don't be. The movie is primarily in Dutch (Flemish) with some French, but every major streaming platform like Apple TV or Amazon includes high-quality English subtitles.
The cinematography by Pieter Van Campe is also worth a mention. It uses a very "warm" palette. Lots of golden hour shots, green fields, and soft lighting. It makes the Belgian countryside look like a place where magic—or at least first love—can actually happen.
Quick Summary of Options
- Digital Rental: Best for a movie night ($4–$6).
- Digital Purchase: Best if you want to rewatch ($13–$15).
- BFI Player: Best for UK viewers.
- Physical DVD: Best for collectors.
Your Next Steps for Watching
If you’re ready to dive in, start by checking Amazon Prime Video first, as they have the widest availability for this title globally. If you’re a student or have access to a library card, it’s also worth checking Kanopy or Hoopla. These "free" library-linked streamers often pick up indie titles like this about six months after their VOD release.
Just make sure you have some tissues handy. Not because it’s a tragedy—it isn’t—but because it’s so earnest it might just make you miss being fourteen. Once you've watched it, you might find yourself looking up the soundtrack, particularly that lounge song the father sings. It’s surprisingly catchy.
Check your local digital storefronts for young hearts movie where to watch today and see if it's available for a weekend rental. It’s the perfect ninety-minute escape into a world that is, for once, a little kinder than the one we live in.
