It often starts with rivalry. I’m puzzled as to why this film hasn't gained more viewers. It is a good movie, a well-made French gay film. As other reviewers have noted, it doesn't follow the usual conventions of films dealing with similar themes. Experiencing it without knowing what kind of story you’re getting into would probably enhance it. I mentioned this earlier, but it isn’t really a spoiler if you suspected something like that; it would become clear one way or another as you watched. It leaned more toward drama than romance, though everything needs an initial setup to progress. That's how the characters are introduced. The focus was primarily on the main two and a few other key individuals. The storytelling deliberately avoids anything extraneous, keeping the narrative straightforward even though it doesn’t center on heterosexual relationships. The story unfolds from Damien’s perspective; he’s a new arrival in a small town nestled among hills, living with his doctor mother while his father is serving overseas in the military. Occasionally, the viewpoint shifts to reveal other aspects of the plot. An unexpected rivalry develops between Damien and Thomas, a solitary classmate who lives on a farm high up in the hills. As the film continues, their conflict escalates. However, circumstances eventually force them to find common ground. This marks a significant moment for them, but they aren’t eager to reconcile. You might be able to predict what happens next, but you could easily misinterpret it. The story challenges stereotypes and offers a fresh perspective on homosexuality, though the plot isn't entirely surprising. > ❝I don't know if I'm into guys or just you.❞ The film’s locations are stunning as well. It takes place across different seasons, and each time the scenery is used effectively to complement the emotions, intensity, and overall mood of the drama. The two boys deliver good performances. Because of the nature of their roles, the movie can feel slow at times, but it generally improves with subsequent scenes. The first two acts largely consist of the boys and their struggle to overcome their conflict—essentially, typical reactions to such situations. It would have been more compelling if there were stronger characters on both sides. However, the direction the story takes is well-planned, so you might be somewhat let down by it. I had a sense of what was going to happen, and it did indeed unfold as expected in the later part. Otherwise, I don’t have any real complaints. Even though I enjoyed watching it, it wasn't quite the film I hoped for. My own expectations are to blame for this feeling. I wanted more dramatic events to occur, but the storytelling was deliberately simple. The last thirty minutes were particularly strong, bringing out the best in the movie. It ended powerfully and could potentially shift viewers’ opinions if they weren’t satisfied earlier on. First of all, it's worth seeing because it offers a different take on this kind of subject matter, thanks to the writing. Secondly, the cinematography, direction, and acting contribute to its overall quality. Personally, I felt that it took too long to get going in the initial sections. It did eventually recover, but almost towards the end. Still, the ending was satisfying. Ultimately, it’s a realistic portrayal of older teenagers grappling with their sexuality, and the film remains true to cinematic conventions. I suggest people watch it with modest expectations and some patience. 7/10

Source on TMDB