Of an Age (2022) User Reviews

a quickly formed bond can last

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 11 February 2023]

Greetings again from the darkness. One of my (many) pet peeves involves movies where we are supposed to believe a couple finds eternal love after barely spending any time together. Now I fully understand some artistic license must be taken in love stories, as there are only a couple of hours to work with, but the challenge is making the audience believe it. For the films that do it right, it's a thing of beauty.

Macedonian-Australian writer-director Goran Stolevski handles this expertly in his first film since the excellent (and much different) YOU WON'T BE ALONE (2022). A frenetic opening pace has 17 year old Kol (Elias Anton) panicking when his best friend Ebony (Hattie Hook in her first feature) phones after a wild night of partying. The two are supposed to be in the finals of an amateur ballroom dancing contest. Kol gets a ride from Ebony's older brother Adam (Thom Green), and as the two search for Ebony, a natural bond begins as easy conversation covers numerous topics. When Adam matter-of-factly admits he's gay, Kol's nervous energy shifts into overdrive.

This bond only has a 24-hour window to blossom, as Adam is headed to South America for graduate studies. But what a 24-hour period it is. The two men continually cross paths, and so much is conveyed with very few spoken words. Glances, body language, and eye-contact are all that's needed. That opening period takes place in 1999, and we then jump ahead to 2010. My, how time and age changes things ... and yet, doesn't.

We often see the fallout from unrequited love, but what of 'partially' requited love? Few films have better captured longing and emotional pain. We feel the aching and see it on Adam and Kol. Many scenes take place in a car, adding to the closeness and feeling of magnetic pull. For me, director Stolevski utilizes a few too many close-ups, although the approach does add to the intensity of some moments. The film may not be heavy on plot, but the emotions are strong enough to keep us invested.

Opens in theaters on February 10 and expands on February 17, 2023.

don't go breakin' my heart

[cdcrb · 8/10 · 22 February 2023]

Falling in love. Painful memories. Anyway if you think you have a nice smile, thom green will put you to shame. The camera is on him close up for a very long time. Anyway two guys fall in love in australia. Then move on. Aided by ebony, who you wouldn't know spoke english. I guess you could describe this as a "road" movie, from the bad old days of the 60's. Adam is cool and aloof, while kol is young and naive. He came to australia from bosnia in 1991. Not gay, he says, but he's open. And he's 19 here. When i looked at my watch, i couldn't believe 2 hrs had gone by. I guess it's the kind of film that you either get or not. If not, i can imagine it's a long slog. It's also heartbreaking. As an aside, did anyone notice during the reception scene they played a song called "brazilian waltz". It sounded alot like the same cords of "flowers". Just saying.

Beautifully done!

[kelssmall · 8/10 · 24 April 2023]

This was an amazing movie! Right off the bat I connected with the characters because I once had to part ways with a past lover and it nearly wrecked me. When Adam and Kol are in the car and Adam drops Kol off, the tears immediately started rolling down for me. The chemistry that they built made it hard for Kol to let go. The iconic scene of them up on the hill looking and Adam grabbing Kol from behind was the scene that did it for me. The love between them was nothing like I've seen in a movie. Later in the movie when it was announced that Adam was married, I felt attacked and I'm not even an actress! The very end where they didn't care to make love, but Adam whispering "my beautiful boy" made it all that much more enticing. I can not rant about this movie enough.

Incredible

[lucaschriskowalski · 10/10 · 2 April 2023]

This is an outstanding Australian film, the lead actors Thom and Elias give phenomenal performances with some outstanding wit and humour that balances the heartbreak and devastation that both men feel. Rarely do I walk away from watching a film that felt like I had been given the chance to be part of the lives of two people, that was this film. It is a very sad film that depicts the impact people can have on one another in a raw and really realistic way. The aspect ratio didn't bother me, I wonder why people struggle with that but I felt it made you focus more on the characters in front of you. Fantastic film that I highly recommend to anyone, not necessarily only gay men.

Worth the watch

[JeanFlores-Dickens · 7/10 · 17 March 2023]

This movie is proudly Australian and shows how bonds can last, it is about the sex by the connection humans being can transcend, ThomGreen and Elias Anton are superb and story can be slow and all I wanted as a wide frame of the camera in the performances.

Pros 1. The acting 2. Thom Green 3. It's Australian babe.

Cons 1. The story can sometimes seem slowly but I strong believe it is worth to see where those characters are.

2. Short frames on faces, I did want a wide shot now and then 3. Some of the scenes were too dark in the light

You can stop reading now as I believe my review covers what needs to be covered.

Stunning performances and direction

[tilokaudaman · 10/10 · 23 February 2023]

I found this film to be mesmerizing.

The film begins at a frantic and somewhat hysterical pace but shortly after tetreats into a long dialogue between two young men. The director focuses with close ups of both men Their expressions and their magnetic attraction to each other gradually become apparent. The actors handled the long periods dialogue with incredible skill and sublety. Their performances are some of the best film acting I've seen in a long while.

This film is deeply romantic but also profoundly realistic. Interestingly the actors do not wear any makeup during most of the film.

In short, it is a beautiful, realistic and heart felt film experience.

Of a time that I remember

[kiwi-98930 · 7/10 · 20 May 2023]

I recently watched a film called 'Of an age', and I must say that I enjoyed it. The film's choice of theme and characters was particularly fascinating to me. From the beginning of the movie, it was evident that the chemistry between the two main actors was exceptional and built up nicely throughout the film. The relationship between the central characters, which was integral to the movie's storyline, was a joy to watch.

As you watch the film, you get a sense of how it's trying to recreate a time now gone, full of memories that are dear to many. The nostalgic tone of the film was indeed a significant factor in its appeal. Moreover, the use of a well-curated and well-timed music score complemented the nostalgia theme perfectly. The film managed to present nostalgic elements without being too heavy, striking a fine balance with the audience.

However, the movie story lacked the level of intensity I prefer in movies. Personally, I find that a well-crafted story is a primary driver that can keep me fully hooked. Although the film had its moments of suspense, they were few and far between. Nonetheless, despite the low level of overall suspense in the movie, it was highly engaging. From start to finish, I found myself invested in the two central characters' outcome.

Overall, 'Of an age' is an excellent film that demonstrates how a movie does not have to be suspense-filled to be engaging. The film's unique characters, striking visuals, and nostalgic undertones make for a highly enjoyable cinematic experience that I would suggest is well worth watching.

Captivating performances, moving story

[hoospoosberero · 9/10 · 16 March 2023]

The central characters give two of the most captivatingly watchable, magnetic acting performances I have seen in quite a few years.

This is a bitter sweet romantic story of first love/ infatuation which is unfolded slowly but with great charm and feeling. The script and acting are subtle, astutely observed and ultimately very moving. Some of the small details - like the way Adam imitates Kol's sighs, or the stolen glances of attraction across the car demonstrate beautiful observation, the substantial skill and impactful screen presence of the actors and a very well crafted script.

Overall I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this film - I ended up watching it twice in a couple of days.

Stupid Aspect Ratio 4:3

[a-cosmic-ritual · 7/10 · 22 March 2023]

Enjoyed the movie, loved the feel of it. Nice to see more quality Gay movies coming out and definitely would recommend it. Love independent style/drama type of movies. But the one thing I didn't like was the Aspect Ratio. We all have wide screen TVs in this day of age and Directors should respect that. It's been a few movies to have a Tube TV aspect ratio and I just find this insulting to the viewer. Wide screens allows more beautiful scenery and to have a ratio of 4:3 is ridiculous. Isn't it IMAX that would show such ratio ??? Well this isn't an IMAX movie and I was disappointed not to have seen this movie in Widescreen. I gave a 5 for the movie because of the aspect ratio chosen, but if it were a widescreen I would have give a 7, maybe an 8.

Average film with strong performances. Pretentious filmmaking.

[syncereblakman · 4/10 · 28 February 2023]

Almost immediately disengaged by the 25 minutes of incomprehensible wailing that starts the film. Once the storytelling begins, the film is just okay. I definitely felt like I was watching a film. The movie makes the fatal mistake of referencing a far superior film ("Happy Together") early in the dialogue and I spent the remainder of the film wondering why I wasn't watching that film instead. Still, the performances were quite good but the script lacking. The leads were quite charming independently but didn't have much chemistry, so the central story lacked needed urgency and intensity. Not much was very memorable about the film and I think that says it all. I struggled to recall the names of the lead characters while watching despite the overuse of super-tight closeups, I imagine to convey meaning missing from the storytelling.

A bittersweet catharsis

[IndieMcGee · 9/10 · 22 February 2023]

Of an Age exists in the thin line between comedy and tragedy, a slice of life at two critical moments of Kol's story that while narratively is very particular to it's time and space, holds a universal application of exploration, acceptance, love and ultimately being at peace with the choices we make and those we had no say in, sometimes we carry a single moment forever and even the briefest chance to revisit it, while heartbreaking, holds a sweet catharsis.

Thom Green and. Elias Anton have a natural chemistry that is undeniable from the first furtive glances, through the gradual transition from casual shared interests to deeper questions of identity.

Goran Stolevski has constructed a beautiful film that can be claimed by so many as their story, even a world away. We can all find shared experiences in films set in places we've never been, as Kol does.

One Day Romance

[chong_an · 7/10 · 1 June 2023]

In 1999, Kol is an aspiring dancer, a Serbian refugee living in Australia with his single mother and members of the Serbian community. On the morning of his final dance exam, his dance partner, Ebony, awakes to find herself alone on a relatively remote beach after a night of partying. Eventually, Kol manages to get Ebony's older brother Adam to come to their rescue, though not in time for the exam.

The road trip chatter between the guys include books, music, and plans. Adam is going to Buenos Aires tomorrow, being interested in Latino men, and inspired by the gay friends in the movie Happy Together. At some point, Adam has his shirt off while driving. Various events over the day has a never-thought-he-was-gay Kol getting very interested in Adam.

Over a decade later, they meet again at Ebony's wedding, where they compare their life stories since their whirlwind romance.

I credit the writers for nicely threading the needle for the dates - the Serbian war, the movie, and the different dates gay marriage was legalized in different countries. The acting is solid, and Kol starts with a nice dance sequence.

I did find the Australian accents a bit hard to follow. Also, Kol just does not seem to be the 17-year-old he is supposed to be in 1999.

Great acting but....

[Holmborg · 5/10 · 26 March 2023]

It's not the best or worst LGBT story out there, it's on the more sad side, like many other film festival movies are, it's an over all good movie, sometimes the timeline is too chaotic, also we jump from one scene where we are close on the faces, one have huge pimples, and the next scene on the same day or so, they are magical gone. However I like they are more natural looking than many Hollywood productions. Sometimes it is hard to hear what they say, but that's maybe the price to pay for the intense acting, and it is for sure the great acting that make this movie something, but hardly one I will remember I have watched in a handful of years.

Pure & Honest

[nairbc · 10/10 · 13 May 2023]

It is rare that I rate a movie let alone write a review but I felt compelled to do so after watching 'Of an Age'. The relationship between the two main characters, Adam and Kol, was so emotionally raw you could feel it from the moment they met. It isn't often that you see a same sex relationship portrayed on the big screen, let alone in such a beautiful way as the director Goran Stolevski did. I cold feel what Kol felt with the initial goodbye. I could feel what he felt when they reconnected in the airport. The last scene blew me away and reminded me that your first true love always holds a special place in your heart. Even if it was for a fleeting moment from days gone by. I'd strongly recommend this movie if you love the romance genre. Have added Elias Anton and Thom Green to my favorites on IMDB as I can't wait to see what else they've done and what is to come! Adding this one to my top 10 favorites of all time!

Powerful moments lost in a convoluted chatfest

[Davalon-Davalon · 6/10 · 11 March 2024]

I saw the trailer and it spoke to me quite powerfully. I felt compelled to watch this film. That said, it did not entirely impress me, although it touched my heart several times.

Kol (Elias Anton), a teenaged boy of mixed ethnicity, seems to have only one friend, Ebony (Hattie Hook), his (white) dance partner, who is an absolute mess and who blames everyone for her bad luck in life. Because Ebony got wasted on drinks and drugs, she wakes up on a beach somewhere in Australia on the day of "dance finals." She has to bum 40 cents off some poor woman on the street and calls Kol to save her. (This supposedly takes place at the end of the '90s, so the common person does not yet have a cell phone.) In order to do this, Kol eventually has to get Ebony's brother involved, Adam (Thom Green), who is leaving the next day to start his PhD in another country. Adam drives Kol to some town in hopes of finding Ebony at a phone booth, and then, if they can make it, straight to the dance finals.

They can't make it, because Ebony messed everything up. But during the long drive to find her (it seems endless), the closeted Kol discovers Adam is gay and has to fight his attraction to him.

Later, as the story progresses through an absolutely awful party at the home of some horrid, racist woman, Kol shows up to support Ebony and is basically treated like garbage by the mainly (not entirely) white crowd. But suddenly Kol is surprised to find Adam there.

This leads to them driving off together to see a sunrise somewhere, and then, as the armor falls aside, Kol succumbs to Adam's touch and they have an amazing experience in the back of Adam's car.

The story did not really come alive until it became clear that the closeted Kol had developed powerful feelings for the bright and vivacious Adam. And when they connect physically, it is absolutely entirely believable. The actors have strong chemistry and I was deeply saddened that the story did not resolve in their favor.

But that is how life is. We meet someone, there is a powerful connection, then either life or family or fate takes us away, and the connection only remains a memory.

Ten years later the men meet again. It's quite clear that Kol has never ever loved anyone else but Adam has moved on.

It's deeply sad, and when Kol crumples into Adam's arms and later, in a hotel room, when Adam says he wants to hold Kol -- all of it was believable and deeply moving.

There was a lot of music (too much); the director/writer obviously felt that they had to have certain songs in the film and I guess they must have had a large budget to pay for them, because some were fairly famous.

There were tons of close-ups, but most of them worked well. What I loved was that Elias Anton was the most authentic and natural looking person I've ever seen in a lead role. He has (or had) bad skin at the start of the movie (it looks better in the "10 years later" part), and because the production didn't try to hide it, he came across as totally real.

Thom Green has a charming smile and dark, expressive eyes (as does Elias Anton) and you could see why it would be easy to fall in love with him.

I was praying for a happy ending, because it was easy to see how isolated and shunned and disconnected the character of Kol was. He was just trying to survive with a scarred heart and when he sees Adam after 10 years, it's almost too much for him.

Unless you've lived through this kind of overwhelming passion, it might be difficult to understand, but for me, it was crystal clear.

I do think that the script would have benefited from several mentors and that vulgar language was used a bit too often when it really wasn't necessary.

But when Adam and Kol are alone, the feelings are palpable.

Insanely beautiful

[olivierftl · 10/10 · 3 September 2023]

I have watched thousands of movies in my life and the vast majority I could watch again and not remember I ever saw them. The list of those movies which have touched me is in the end fairly limited. "Of an age" is definitely such a movie. The acting of Thom Green and Elias Anton is absolutely phenomenal, the story is insanely human and beautiful and I end up in tears and sobbing. The close-ups make the movie extra intimate and since the acting is so good, you are really with them, in the car, sharing their feelings. To me, the movie is really about how "timing" means everything in life (in any aspect of our lives really); the movie also shows how much sheer beauty there can be in us, humans. Some days, you kind of forget about that with all the hatred all around us. This movie is a gem and the director obviously must have thrown some of his own life experience in there....

A Deeply Moving and Intense Coming of Age Story

[gazferg · 9/10 · 21 May 2023]

Powerfully evocative, Of an Age is enhanced by the strong performances of the 2 main characters, Adam (Thom Green) and Kol (Elias Anton). Set mainly in suburban Melbourne Australia in the 1990s, the story revolves around Kol's and Adam's rescue of Ebony (Hattie Hook), Adam's younger sister on a hot morning of a dance competition. During the course of their efforts to reach Ebony, Adam and Kol come to know one another in Adam's car. In fact, a lot of this movie is in Adam's car with striking close-ups of the 2 main characters, which builds the sexual and emotional bond. After arriving in Altona to collect Ebony, they return to Adam's and Ebony's family home, having missed the deadline for the dance competition. Later in the day Adam and Kol cement their connection. The last part of the movie moves forward 10 years when Ebony is getting married and hers and the 2 main characters' lives intersect again. A lot has happened for each in the 10 years that has passed and the bonds have shifted. The cinematography in the movie is captivating and effective. The strong direction particularly of the 2 main characters in their many interactions is sensitive and intense. I walked away deeply affected by this Aussie movie. Highly recommended.

Gets better, but not enough

[neil-89611 · 2/10 · 14 July 2023]

Opens with too much swearing and apparently 'arty' shaky camera angles plus the location scouts seem to have found the worst parts of Melbourne - it doesn't let up. The overall impression is this is someone's vanity project and any sense of connection with the actors is difficult to find and the characters are hard to like. What could have been a love story with a gritty edge was spoiled by an apparent need to be 'street' and became an instant turn off. The second half is certainly better than the first but overall, just another expletive laden, trashy film to add to Australia's reputation of a 'once was' producer of quality films.

life changing

[samselsur · 10/10 · 21 August 2023]

The absolute best movie i have ever watched. It's completely life changing and a comfort movie. I am never the same when i watch it. The overall cinematic experience is astonishing. This movie is not talked about enough for its breathtaking atmosphere and story. The queer representation is gorgeous and i cannot explain how the connection between kol and adam makes me feel. If i had to watch a movie over and over again for the rest of my life, it would definitely be of an age. I wish there was a sequel to the movie showcasing their love for each other even more. The last line of the movie always breaks my heart and i can only wonder how their lives continue. I love this movie sm.

Understandable as a respectful movie but NO

[papacet97 · 1/10 · 11 April 2023]

Character development was dull along with the writing to the story. Could I have a less interesting introduction? There are many movies with a similar story and you could have a much better experience and happiness with the film. The filming was not done so well which is absolutely great if its not, but It did not come off as enjoyable or plausible. The need for movies just like this is to keep the industry alive but is killing it at the same time. I took the time to make a night of dinner and movie for myself and my partner yet this was a failure because we turned it off and watched a disney movie instead.

Impactful and profoundly moving

[AngelaaLaird · 10/10 · 15 July 2023]

Of An Age is a depiction of a relationship between an openly gay man and someone who is in the process of self discovery, but this is just an underlying element and not what drives the narrative. It reminds us that love in its entity is the same for every human being. This was truly and profoundly the most relatable, raw and honest portrayal of love I have come across in film.

From the moment it started, I was fully immersed. The intense connection between Adam and Kol only strengthened as the narrative unfolded - building to a crescendo that leaves you feeling somewhat lost, but hopeful at the same time. Very few have nailed it the way Stolevski did, especially with a dialogue-driven script.

This was a brilliant piece of Australian cinema that deserves to be seen. Great work.

Beautiful film

[mjanssens26 · 10/10 · 13 September 2023]

I caught this on Prime and had never heard of the film or knew anything about it other than the quick ten second peek I took to see a little of the film trailer. I told myself, "give the movie ten minutes, and if you're bored, turn it off." Well, once I started it, I fell in love with the characters, the scenery, and the performances.

This movie is a beautiful and realistic trip back to 1999 and then we fast forward a bit to 2010. I don't know what the actors or make up department did to de-age or age the characters, but so much of this film was incredible and beautiful and so well done. I rarely "love" films but I have to say, this is one that touched me deeply. Sorry to be corny, but it's an awesome movie.

Heartbreakingly real!

[mavi1996 · 9/10 · 1 August 2023]

I just accidently saw the poster of this movie on IMDb and I thought it's beautiful, so I decided to watch it. The film felt incredibly real, capturing the bitter essence of reality. I'm always drawn to honest and realistic movies.

Both male characters had amazing acting that made me weep at a few scenes. I completely fell in love with Adam's mature and morally upright character! I also appreciated the natural and imperfect appearances of the actors (they had acne and moles for example). The deep yet clear and engaging dialogues between the characters made me both reflect and smile.

The ending broke our hearts obviously, but wouldn't that be the most plausible ending in the reality? I mean people often get married to those they don't truly love (like Ebony and her unfaithful husband), and one-sided love is so common (I believe Ebony may have had feelings for Kol, although I'm not entirely sure), and when eventually two souls fall in love with each other bad timing and circumstances like that, prevent them from being together. Life can be brutal, but it still holds moments of beauty. What Adam and Kol shared was beautiful.

I also admired that in this movie, intimacy went beyond physical contact.

good acting but not enough going on

[lehaneb · 5/10 · 20 September 2023]

The shakey camera work for the first 15 minutes of this film was almost enough to make me want to switch this off. Why anyone thought that was a good technique is beyond me.

The interplay between the two main characters is well done but the script is lacking plot eg he rushes to a dance competition then suddenly doesn't care and dance is hardly mentioned again.

The final third also does not deliver enough to rewrd our attention- like the flip forward should come with a bit more explanation of what they did in between times. We are simple catapulted to a heartfelt sad ending that by itself is quite well done.

real and not over the top . definitely the best gay film I've ever watched

[bellclara-52175 · 10/10 · 16 March 2023]

All right let's be honest nowadays movies gay movies are so over the top and like very unreal they all have the same story always the same story about a bisexual guy and a gay guy trying to make him find out that he's gay but not in this movie in this movie their quiet honest quick straight direct and sweet it can be easily My favorite gay movie their performance was very perfect like you can feel how they are feeling you can really sense it and this movie flows so easily.

I I love the story there acting and the production I really think that you're going to they enjoy it if you watch a lot of gay movies.