Finding a movie that actually captures the messy, terrifying, and weirdly quiet sensation of being fourteen and in love for the first time is rare. It’s even rarer when that film is a Belgian-Dutch indie that everyone’s talking about but no one seems to know how to find. Honestly, if you've been searching for young hearts where to watch 2024, you've probably hit a few dead ends by now.
It’s frustrating. You see the TikTok clips of Elias and Alexander, you read the rave reviews from the Berlin International Film Festival, and then you check your local Netflix or Hulu only to find… nothing.
The truth is that Young Hearts (originally titled Jonge Harten), directed by Anthony Schatteman, had a bit of a scattered rollout. It didn't just drop globally on a Tuesday morning. Because it’s an independent production, the rights are split up like a jigsaw puzzle across different countries and platforms.
The Best Ways to Stream Young Hearts Right Now
If you are in the United States, your best bet isn't a subscription service like Netflix. Instead, you’re looking at the "digital storefront" model. Basically, you pay for the movie once and keep it, or rent it for a few bucks.
Right now, you can find the film on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home (which used to be Vudu). Prices usually hover around $3.99 for a rental and $12.99 if you want to buy it outright.
Wait. Before you click buy, check if you have a library card.
Seriously. Kanopy is a streaming service available through many public libraries and universities, and they actually have Young Hearts available for free for members. It’s one of those "hidden" platforms that film buffs use to avoid the $15-a-month subscription bloat. If your local library is connected, you can stream the movie without spending a dime.
Regional availability can be a headache
Streaming is weird. In the Netherlands, the movie popped up on Prime Video much earlier than in North America. In the UK, Peccadillo Pictures handled the release, and you’ll often find it on the BFI Player.
If you are seeing "This title is not available in your country" on HBO Max, it’s likely because of those specific licensing deals. The film is available on HBO Max in some European territories (like Serbia or Albania), but that hasn't translated to the US version of the app yet.
Why Everyone is Hunting for This Specific Movie
So, why the hype? Why is everyone obsessed with finding young hearts where to watch 2024?
The movie follows Elias, a 14-year-old living in a quiet Belgian village. His life is pretty standard—school, hanging out, a girlfriend who is more of a friend. Then Alexander moves in next door. Alexander is from Brussels, he’s confident, and he’s lived a little more than Elias.
What makes this different from your average coming-of-age story is how nice it is. I don't mean boring-nice. I mean that director Anthony Schatteman intentionally avoided the "tragic queer" trope. There aren't any screaming matches with bigoted parents. There’s no huge violent climax.
It’s internal.
Elias’s biggest enemy is his own head. He’s scared of what his friends will think, even though his family is actually pretty supportive. His grandfather, played by Dirk Van Dijck, gives a speech that honestly might be the heart of the whole film. It’s a movie about the "internal dam" breaking.
The technical details you might want to know
- Director: Anthony Schatteman (this was his feature debut!)
- Runtime: 97 minutes (it’s a quick watch, though it feels "slow" in a cozy way)
- Language: Mostly Flemish and some French. Make sure you have English subtitles turned on.
- Lead Actors: Lou Goossens (Elias) and Marius De Saeger (Alexander).
Lou Goossens is a powerhouse here. He was 14 or 15 during filming, and he carries the whole movie with just his facial expressions. Most of the scenes are close-ups of him just thinking, which is hard for any actor to pull off, let alone a kid.
Is it Still Playing in Theaters?
Mostly, no. But "mostly" isn't "always."
In early 2024 and through mid-2025, Young Hearts made the rounds at festivals and indie theaters like the IFC Center in New York or the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago.
If you live in a big city with a "cinema club" or a theater that specializes in foreign films, keep an eye on their "Encore" screenings. Sometimes these movies get a second life during Pride month or after winning awards at festivals. But for the average person, the living room is where you’re going to see this.
What about physical media?
For the collectors out there, there is a DVD and Blu-ray. Strand Releasing handled the US distribution for physical copies. You can find them on Amazon or through DeepDiscount.
The UK release from Peccadillo Pictures is actually pretty cool—it comes with art cards and personal handwritten messages from the cast. Just be careful with "Region Coding." If you buy a UK Blu-ray, it might not work on a US player unless you have a region-free setup.
Quick Summary for Your Watchlist
If you just want the "too long; didn't read" version of young hearts where to watch 2024, here it is:
- Kanopy: Free (if your library supports it).
- Rent/Buy: Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Google Play.
- UK/Europe: BFI Player, HBO Max (select regions), or Prime Video (NL).
- Physical: DVD/Blu-ray via Strand Releasing.
Final Advice for the Best Experience
Don't watch this on your phone while scrolling through something else. It’s a quiet movie. Most of the "action" happens in the silences between conversations.
If you’re looking for a high-octane drama with twists and turns, this isn't it. But if you want something that feels like a warm hug and a reminder of what it’s like to have your heart race because someone sat next to you on a bus, this is the one.
To get started, check your local library's access to Kanopy first to see if you can stream it for free. If that fails, head over to Apple TV or Amazon for the highest quality digital rental.
