The film opens in the present day, where Jonas (Fรฉlix Maritaud), a troubled young man in his thirties, struggles with self-destructive behavior, casual relationships, and unresolved trauma. He is restless, engaging in reckless drinking, fights, and one-night stands, but beneath his tough exterior, he is haunted by memories from his past. The narrative frequently shifts between the present and the late 1990s, when Jonas was a shy and introverted teenager (played by Nicolas Bauwens). As a teen, he meets Nathan (Tommy-Lee Baรฏk), a charismatic and free-spirited new student who immediately captures his attention. Nathan is differentโconfident, unafraid to be himself, and openly interested in Jonas. While Jonas is drawn to him, he struggles to understand his feelings, living in a time and environment where same-sex relationships are not openly accepted. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and as they spend more time together, Jonas finds himself both excited and terrified by the intensity of his emotions.
Through a series of beautifully shot flashbacks, the film explores the budding relationship between Jonas and Nathan. The two boys develop a deep connection, bonding over music, late-night conversations, and stolen moments of intimacy. Nathan encourages Jonas to embrace his identity, gently challenging his fears and hesitations. However, Jonas, conditioned by societal expectations and peer pressure, struggles to reciprocate openly. The toxic masculinity surrounding himโparticularly from his schoolmatesโinstills fear in him, leading to moments of internalized homophobia and self-denial. Nathan, on the other hand, refuses to hide who he is, making him both a source of inspiration and a target for bullying. As their relationship deepens, Jonas feels the weight of the world pressing down on him, torn between his desire to be with Nathan and the fear of being exposed.
Tragedy strikes when Jonas' internal conflicts, combined with external pressures, culminate in a devastating event. One night, when their feelings become undeniable, they share a moment of passion that is quickly overshadowed by Jonas' panic. Unable to reconcile his emotions with the reality of his environment, he distances himself from Nathan in a cruel and heartbreaking manner. This rejection leaves Nathan vulnerable, and what follows is an irreversible act of violence that changes Jonas forever. The details of what happens to Nathan are revealed gradually, with the film masterfully maintaining suspense as it pieces together the puzzle of Jonasโ trauma. The guilt and regret he carries into adulthood stem from this night, shaping his self-destructive tendencies and emotional detachment in the present day.
As the narrative returns to the present, Jonas finally confronts his past. After years of running from his memories, he revisits places and people connected to Nathan, attempting to come to terms with his grief. He begins to acknowledge the truth about himself, realizing that his inability to accept his love for Nathan led to irreversible consequences. This journey of self-acceptance is painful but necessary, as Jonas learns that he cannot continue punishing himself for a past he cannot change. His interactions with othersโboth past and presentโhelp him find closure, and he starts to embrace the love he once rejected. By the end of the film, Jonas is not fully healed, but he is on a path toward redemption, finally allowing himself to remember Nathan with love rather than guilt.
The filmโs conclusion is bittersweet, leaving audiences with a mix of sorrow and hope. Boys (Jonas) is not just a love story but a poignant exploration of trauma, self-acceptance, and the long-lasting impact of choices made in fear. Through its stunning cinematography, hauntingly beautiful score, and deeply emotional performancesโespecially from Fรฉlix Maritaudโthe film captures the fragility of first love and the pain of losing it. It serves as both a heartbreaking cautionary tale and a hopeful message about the importance of living oneโs truth before itโs too late.
