Movie of the Day: Out (2024) by Dennis Alink

Link to watch: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Dennis-Alink/dp/B0F1XKMSVD/ (Germany)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26494143/

Link Review: https://filmysasi.com/out-dennis-alink-new-fest-film-review/

About movie: https://cinemien.nl/film/out/

https://www.frameline.org/films/frameline48/out

"Out (2024)" by Dennis Alink: A Black-and-White Exploration of Queer Youth and Identity

Dennis Alink's 2024 film, "Out," is a Dutch drama that tenderly and vividly portrays the experiences of two young gay men from a conservative rural background as they navigate self-discovery and their relationship within the vibrant yet challenging queer scene of Amsterdam. Shot in striking black and white, the film delves into the complexities of identity, acceptance, and the journey beyond just coming out.

About Movie (Detailed Summary)

"Out" centers on Tom (Bas Keizer) and Ajani (Jefferson Yaw Frempong-Manson), high school sweethearts from a small, conservative village in the Netherlands where they are forced to keep their relationship a secret. Dreaming of a life where they can openly be themselves and pursue their passion for filmmaking, they make the significant move to Amsterdam. The city initially offers the promised freedom and excitement of a thriving queer community and nightlife, a stark contrast to their restrictive upbringing. However, as they immerse themselves in this new world, they face unexpected challenges and pressures. Ajani seems to embrace the urban gay scene more readily, while Tom struggles to shed his conservative roots and find his place, both personally and within his film studies. This divergence creates tension in their relationship, forcing both individuals to confront deeper questions about their identities, desires, and what it truly means to belong. The film, drawing on the real-life experiences of its queer cast and crew, uses sensuous black-and-white cinematography to create a visually compelling and emotionally resonant portrait of youth, love, and the ongoing process of self-acceptance.

Plot Summary

Two closeted gay teenagers from a small Dutch village, Tom and Ajani, move to Amsterdam for film school and to live openly. Their relationship and individual identities are tested as they navigate the complexities and expectations of the city's queer scene.

Director's Vision

Dennis Alink, with a background in documentary filmmaking, approached "Out" as a deeply personal project aimed at exploring the nuances of struggling with group norms, even within a community perceived as accepting. His vision was to create an authentic and piercing portrait of young gay men, based on the shared experiences of the queer team involved in the film. Alink sought to show that coming out is not a singular event but an ongoing journey of self-discovery and negotiation with external expectations and internalized feelings. The decision to shoot in black and white was a deliberate artistic choice, contributing to the film's sensuous and sometimes stark visual style, which he felt enhanced the emotional landscape of the story. He utilized his documentary experience to keep the crew minimal and shoot in authentic locations, focusing on the actors' performances and interpretations.

Themes

• Identity and Self-Discovery: The central theme revolves around the characters' journeys of understanding and defining who they are, particularly in the context of their sexual orientation and place in the world.

• Coming Out and Beyond: The film explores the challenges and complexities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals not only in revealing their identity but also in navigating acceptance and belonging within different communities.

• Relationships Under Pressure: The strain placed on Tom and Ajani's relationship by their move to a new environment and their differing responses to the queer scene is a key thematic focus.

• Belonging and Otherness: The film examines the feeling of being an outsider, both in a conservative rural setting and, unexpectedly, within the urban LGBTQ+ community.

• Expectation vs. Reality: The characters' idealized vision of life in Amsterdam is contrasted with the sometimes harsh realities and new forms of peer pressure they encounter.

Key Success Factors

Based on initial reception and reviews, key success factors for "Out" include:

• Authentic and Relatable Storytelling: Drawing on real experiences of the queer cast and crew contributes to the film's authenticity and emotional resonance for audiences.

• Striking Black-and-White Cinematography: The film's visual style has been widely praised, creating a sensuous and atmospheric backdrop for the narrative.

• Strong Lead Performances: Bas Keizer and Jefferson Yaw Frempong-Manson have been noted for their compelling and naturalistic portrayals of the two main characters.

• Festival Recognition: Screenings at numerous LGBTQ+ film festivals indicate the film's appeal within this community and its recognition in festival circuits.

Summary Short

"Out (2024)" by Dennis Alink is a black-and-white Dutch drama about two gay youths from a conservative village who move to Amsterdam for freedom and film school, only to find their relationship and identities challenged by the complexities of the urban queer scene.

Awards and Nominations

"Out (2024)" has been an official selection at several notable LGBTQ+ film festivals, including Frameline, NewFest (The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival), Image+Nation, New Orleans Film Festival, Seattle Queer Film Festival, Chéries-Chéris, and IFFI. Festival selections often indicate recognition and potential for awards within those circuits.

Critics Reception

Critical reception for "Out (2024)," primarily from sources associated with film festivals and independent film coverage, has been generally positive.

• Frameline Program Note: Praised the film for capturing the "recklessness of youth and the excitement of newfound sexual liberties in sensuous black-and-white cinematography," calling it a "vivid and tender tale." It highlighted the lead actors' performances and the film's "lived-in, piercing portrait" of being young and gay.   

• Filmy Sasi: In a review titled "'Out' review - A moving story of love and acceptance in black-and-white glory," gave the film a 4/4 rating. The review commended the film for exploring whether liberation can have different meanings and praised Alink's direction and the evocative performances of the lead actors. It specifically noted the effective use of black and white cinematography and the satisfying, thought-provoking ending.

• NewFest and Image+Nation Descriptions: Both highlighted the film's focus on two young men from a conservative town getting drawn into the Amsterdam gay nightlife and how it challenges their identities, praising the sleek style and black-and-white cinematography.

• JustWatch Synopsis: Described the film as being about the characters being "confronted with the norms and social constructs of the big city that turn out to be completely different than what they imagined," putting a strain on their relationship.   

• MUBI: Listed the film with a 6.0 rating based on 5 ratings, categorizing it as Drama and LGBTQ+.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: The available critical responses commend "Out" for its sensitive and authentic portrayal of the experiences of young gay men, its compelling narrative about identity and belonging, and its striking black-and-white visual style. The lead actors' performances have also been singled out for praise. While some descriptions hint at a potentially meandering narrative, the overall sentiment is that the film is a poignant and visually rich exploration of queer youth.

Reviews

Reviews from sources like Frameline, Filmy Sasi, NewFest, and Image+Nation generally offer positive perspectives on "Out." They highlight the film's emotional depth, its realistic depiction of the challenges faced by young gay men, and its artistic merits, particularly the black-and-white cinematography. These reviews suggest that the film is a moving and thought-provoking character study that resonates with audiences interested in authentic LGBTQ+ representation and stories of self-discovery.

Production

"Out (2024)" was produced by Dennis Alink Films and Thomas van der Gronde Films. Dennis Alink directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Thomas van der Gronde. The film was shot in black and white, with filming locations including Ootmarsum, Overijssel, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Alink utilized his background in documentary filmmaking in the production process, keeping the crew minimal and shooting in authentic locations to enhance the film's sense of realism.

Production Companies

• Dennis Alink Films: (Country: Netherlands) - Involved in the production.

• Thomas van der Gronde Films: (Country: Netherlands) - Involved in the production.

Distribution Companies

• Cinemien: (Country: Netherlands) - Listed as a distributor for several European countries including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Israel, and Liechtenstein.

• Darkstar: (Country: United States) - Listed as a distributor for the United States.

• Optimale: (Country: France) - Listed as a distributor for France.

The film has also been available through virtual festival platforms like NewFest's Virtual Encore.

Theatrical Release

"Out (2024)" has had theatrical screenings as part of its film festival run in various countries. It also had a confirmed theatrical release in Germany on March 27, 2025. Further wide theatrical release information is not readily available.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• For its Authentic Portrayal of Queer Experience: The film offers a relatable and moving look at the challenges and triumphs of being young and gay, based on real experiences.

• Striking Visuals: The black-and-white cinematography provides a unique and beautiful aesthetic that enhances the film's mood and themes.

• Emotional and Character-Driven Story: The film focuses on the personal journeys of its protagonists, offering an intimate and emotionally resonant narrative.

Why to Watch Movie

• Gain Insight into LGBTQ+ Identity: The film provides a nuanced perspective on the complexities of identity formation and the search for belonging within the queer community.

• Experience a Visually Compelling Film: The black-and-white cinematography and atmospheric setting create a memorable visual experience.

• Support Independent and Queer Cinema: Watching "Out" supports independent filmmakers telling important and underrepresented stories.

What Movie Trend film is following

The film aligns with the trend of LGBTQ+ cinema that explores diverse experiences and challenges within the community, moving beyond traditional coming-out narratives. It also follows the trend of visually stylized independent filmmaking, where directors utilize distinct aesthetics like black and white to enhance storytelling.

What Big Social Trend is following

The movie taps into the broader social trend of increasing awareness and discussion around LGBTQ+ rights, acceptance, and the challenges faced by individuals in finding their place in both conservative and ostensibly liberal environments. It also reflects the ongoing conversation about mental health and navigating societal pressures related to identity.

Final Verdict

"Out (2024)" by Dennis Alink is a commendable and affecting independent film that offers a sincere and visually captivating exploration of young queer identity. While its narrative may not reinvent the wheel, its strength lies in its authentic portrayal of its characters' emotional journeys, the striking black-and-white cinematography, and the evident personal investment of the filmmakers and cast. The film successfully captures the excitement and challenges of navigating newfound freedoms and the ongoing quest for self-acceptance. It is a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ cinema and a recommended watch for those seeking character-driven dramas with a strong artistic sensibility and a relevant social theme.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Draw on Personal and Community Experiences: Utilizing authentic experiences can lead to deeply resonant and relatable storytelling, particularly when exploring specific identities and communities.

• Embrace Distinct Visual Styles: Don't be afraid to employ bold aesthetic choices like black and white cinematography if they serve the themes and mood of your film.

• Focus on Character Nuance: Invest in developing complex and sometimes flawed characters, as their realistic struggles can create a more impactful and thought-provoking narrative.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Diverse LGBTQ+ Stories: Continue to fund and distribute films that explore the wide range of experiences and challenges within the LGBTQ+ community, moving beyond singular narratives.

• Provide Platforms for Visually Distinctive Films: Create opportunities for independent films with unique and compelling visual styles to be seen by wider audiences, both theatrically and on streaming platforms.

• Recognize the Value of Festival Success: Pay attention to films that resonate within specific festival circuits, as this can be an indicator of their quality and potential to connect with target audiences.