NZIFF: Of an Age

Goran Stolevski’s tender sophomore film is equal parts coming-of-age and coming-out story, as much a commentary on the pressures of masculinity and heteronormativity as it is a witty, sentimental romance set against the backdrop of turn-of-the-twentieth-century Melbourne.

Macedonian-Australian director Goran Stolevski’s latest film, Of an Age is a decidedly more romantic and heartfelt departure from last year’s dark witch-horror You Won’t Be Alone (NZIFF 2022). While Of an Age doesn’t shy away from exploring the murky depths of casual racism and xenophobia, the story centres on a queer romance—or perhaps an almost-romance—between Serbian-born high-school student Kol and his best friend’s older brother Adam. Stolevski takes the queer coming-of-age genre and applies a deft hand, recalling the poor timing and first love yearnings of Call Me by Your Name (NZIFF 2017) but with more balanced power dynamics and deeper observations on race, class and masculinity.
Set against the changing social fabric of Y2K Melbourne, Of an Age is a slowly building drama that shows the powerful effect of what it means to be truly seen, taking a first crush and burying it deep within the memories of its protagonists for years to come.
Rated R16