Consequences (Posledice) is an assured debut feature that fearlessly explores the complexity of young male identity and belonging. However, its ending may leave you feeling hollow as time passes, and many of the themes and questions raised are ultimately left hanging. Consequences is now available to rent, buy or stream.
Darko Stante’s debut feature film fiercely explores repressed sexuality, masculinity, and peer influence. This confident and assured picture offers a rare exploration of youth culture, sexuality, and crime in Slovenia, dovetailing the classic coming-of-age story with a deeper exploration of a troubled sexual awakening.
Andrej (Matej Zemljic) is 18 years old and lost in a spiralling social life of peer pressure, alcohol and self-isolation. But after his masculinity is challenged and questioned by a girl at a party, Andrej’s behaviour becomes even more volatile, leading to a spell in a correctional institute for young men with behavioural problems. For Andrej’s despairing yet distant parents, the institute offers their son a potential punishment and cure. However, in reality, the ineffectual and lacklustre environment of the institute only further encourages Andrej’s risk-taking and self-exploration as he meets Zele (Timon Sturbej) and Niko (Gasper Markun).
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Consequences’ bold and engaging performances attempt to unpick various themes, from toxic masculinity to peer pressure and gang culture. However, these performances occasionally rely on a range of stereotypes rather than delving beneath the surface of each boy’s motivations and needs. This never allows the audience to fully build a deep or emotional connection with the young men at the story’s heart. However, there is a clear and admirable social commentary on the formation of gangs and the hidden world of secrets, rules, and social contracts that form their power. Equally, Stante wraps these discussions with a fascinating story of sexual awakening in a dangerous world of power play and peer rules, allowing Consequences to thread its LGBTQ+ themes with broader observations on masculinity and belonging.
Consequences is an assured debut feature that fearlessly explores the complexity of young male identity and belonging. However, its ending may leave you feeling hollow as time passes, and many of the themes and questions raised are ultimately left hanging.
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