“Of An Age” Movie Review

 

 

“Of An Age”

Movie Review

  

 

Of an Age is a 2022 Australian romance drama film written and directed by Goran Stolevski. Elias Anton plays Kol, a Serbian immigrant to Australia who falls in love with Adam played by Thom Green, the brother of his ballroom dancing partner Ebony played by Hattie Hook, for a fleeting but passionate moment. The performances of its key actors, who have enough chemistry to hold audiences' attention even in the most abrupt parts of the movie, increase the film's sincerity, longing, and closeness.

 

Set in 1999 Australia, Of an Age follows Kol, an 18-year-old Serbian-born aspiring ballroom dancer with his whole life ahead of him. Kol calls Ebony's older brother Adam for assistance when his friend and dance partner Ebony finds herself in another town on the morning of their final competition. Kol and Adam connect on the road, and there's an intensity to their relationship that Kol doesn't seem ready for at first, but it's one that will change his life.

 

Kol, who is struggling to find his place in the world and in his relationships as a queer guy, discovers that Of an Age is not only intimately romantic but also for him. The first half of the film has the feel of a road trip movie, with just two people driving and getting to know each other. After a while, it's clear that Kol and Adam are attracted to one another, and that there's a connection and sexual tension between them that keeps their conversation going. Importantly, Adam is one of the few people in the film who treats Kol with respect. Kol is frequently the target of insults or, in the case of his best friend Ebony, rejection and neglect.

 

Kol and Adam both exhibit real interest in one another. There is a feeling of mutual understanding and a greater ability than ever before to see into each other's souls. Their relationship is driven by longing glances, fumbling words, light teasing, sexually suggestive glances, and intelligent dialogue. The fact that Anton and Green have such seductive chemistry together is to the movie's advantage. They interact well while deep in conversation, and their chemistry makes it true to both their roles and the circumstance. Anton and Green definitely turn up the heat when the situation calls for it. Despite Kol and Adam only having known one other for a very brief period of time, it helps the audience feel involved in their relationship.

 

The rest of the film more than makes up for Of an Age's slow start and abrupt ending. Despite being confined to a small space in the front seat of a car, the characters feel closer because of the film's use of close-ups and boxed-in ratios. The film does not go into great detail about Kol's relationship with his family, but there is enough information provided for viewers to understand why Kol feels so isolated. Of an Age also addresses the challenges of growing up as a Serbian immigrant in Australia, where finding acceptance among classmates seems even more futile and people can be nasty. With all of that woven into the plot, it's easy to see Kol's attraction to Adam. Also, he is the only character in the entire movie who is sensitive to Kol's feelings.

 

The director has created a lovely, bittersweet tale that is occasionally heartbreaking, longing, and incredibly tragic. It moves the audience in the correct areas and at the appropriate times, making them feel something. Although the movie takes its time developing Kol and Adam's relationship, the leisurely pacing does result in a hurried ending that isn't given enough time to breathe. The last few minutes of the movie take place in the future, but it would have been better for the plot if this time jump had occurred earlier. This would have given the story enough time to explain what happened to Kol and Adam and how their relationship still endures. That being said, Of an Age is lacking in some ways. Despite this roadblock, the director successfully handles a sweet coming-of-age story and LGBT identity while getting to the heart of these kids who are searching for something more and find it in one other.

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