Boys

Two young track athletes in the Netherlands grow close as they train for the relay race that could define their school careers. Sieger is a focused sprinter who keeps things tight and practical, while Marc is more impulsive and open about his feelings. As the season unfolds, their coaching and teammates push them toward competition, both on the track and in their relationship. The film follows workouts, secrets, and the awkward honesty of first love, all framed in a supportive but sometimes tough athletic world. It captures the small rituals of training camp, the pressure to perform, and the way a attraction can test friendships. The romance develops with restraint and honesty rather than fireworks, offering humane coming of age.

Directed by Mischa Kamp, Boys arrived in 2014 as a Dutch television drama. It is based on an original screenplay by Chris Westendorp and Jaap-Peter Enderle, crafted for the screen and the heart. The project marks Kamp's return to intimate character drama with a gentle but precise camera style.

The film stands out for its grounded portrayal of first love between two teen boys within a sports world, contributing to Dutch TV's evolving LGBTQ+ representation. The film thus becomes part of a broader shift toward open discussions of sexuality in media. The intimate performances helped bring conversations about identity and adolescence to a broader audience.

Critics praised its restrained mood and natural performances, highlighting themes of young love, ambition, and the pressure of competition. The story avoids melodrama, instead tracing how affection and ambition shape choices during a pivotal year, and how a supportive circle helps young people grow.

Box office: Not applicable, as this was released as a television movie and has no reported worldwide gross. Discussions of its performance focus on viewership and audience reception rather than revenue.