Introduction: A Summer of Change
The film opens with 15-year-old Sieger (Gijs Blom), a quiet and disciplined teenager, jogging alone through the Dutch countryside. He is a talented track athlete, deeply committed to his training. Sieger lives with his widowed father, Theo (Ton Kas), and his older brother, Eddy (Martijn Lakemeier). The family dynamic is somewhat strained—Eddy is rebellious and often clashes with their father, while Sieger tries to be the responsible son who follows the rules. Their mother has passed away, though the film does not dwell on the details, leaving the family to navigate life without her.
Sieger’s best friend, Stef (Stijn Taverne), is also a member of their running club. Both are selected to join a relay race training team alongside two other boys, Marc (Ko Zandvliet) and Tom (Myron Wouts). Marc, in particular, stands out—he is easygoing, charming, and confident, in contrast to Sieger’s more reserved and serious nature.
Developing Friendship with Marc
As the boys train together, Sieger and Marc develop a close friendship. Marc’s playful personality contrasts with Sieger’s quiet and composed demeanor, but they connect effortlessly. They spend time together outside of training, riding their bikes through the countryside and playfully racing each other. Their camaraderie is filled with unspoken tension, subtle glances, and fleeting touches, hinting at something deeper than mere friendship.
One day, while swimming in a nearby lake, the boys joke around and splash each other. As the moment slows down, Marc impulsively kisses Sieger. Sieger immediately pulls away, shocked and confused. He does not react with anger but is clearly uncomfortable, unable to process his emotions. Marc, slightly embarrassed, laughs it off and pretends it was nothing, but the tension between them lingers.
Sieger’s Inner Conflict
Following the kiss, Sieger starts to distance himself from Marc, avoiding eye contact and behaving awkwardly. He is confused by his feelings—on one hand, he is drawn to Marc, but on the other, he struggles with the idea of being attracted to another boy. To suppress his emotions, Sieger starts dating a girl named Jessica, a friend of Stef’s.
Jessica is kind and clearly interested in Sieger, but he shows little enthusiasm in return. He goes through the motions, joining group outings and even kissing her, but it is evident that he feels no real connection. Despite this, he keeps up the façade, hoping it will "fix" whatever is happening inside him.
At home, tensions rise between Sieger and Eddy. Eddy is reckless, often getting into trouble, and their father constantly scolds him for his behavior. Sieger watches their arguments but rarely intervenes. Eddy, however, senses something is off with his younger brother. At one point, he bluntly asks, "Are you in love?", catching Sieger off guard. Though the question is meant in a general sense, Sieger’s nervous reaction hints that he is hiding something deeper.
A Second Chance with Marc
Despite his attempts to suppress his feelings, Sieger cannot ignore Marc. One day, Marc approaches him again, this time more cautiously. They go for a bike ride together and end up at the same lakeside spot where they shared their first kiss.
In a beautifully intimate moment, Sieger finally lets his guard down. The boys sit close, their hands grazing. This time, when Marc leans in, Sieger does not resist. They share another kiss—gentle, unhurried, and filled with mutual longing. Unlike before, Sieger does not pull away. The moment is tender, as both boys silently acknowledge their feelings for each other.
However, the weight of societal expectations still looms over Sieger. He panics once again, afraid of what this means for him. Feeling overwhelmed, he abruptly leaves, once again rejecting Marc despite the deep feelings they both share.
The Final Breaking Point
Marc is visibly hurt, and Sieger, too, is miserable. His inner turmoil reaches its peak when he sees Marc at a local amusement park with other friends. When Marc notices Sieger, he makes a final attempt to reach out, but Sieger, out of fear and confusion, cruelly brushes him off in front of others. Marc’s expression shifts from hopeful to heartbroken.
That night, Sieger reflects on everything—his forced relationship with Jessica, his constant inner struggle, and, most of all, his undeniable feelings for Marc. He realizes that denying his emotions will only lead to more pain.
The Final Relay Race: Choosing Himself
The day of the relay race arrives, marking a pivotal moment for Sieger. He is determined to perform well, but his mind is elsewhere. As he prepares for his turn, he catches a glimpse of Marc—who looks just as conflicted.
The race itself becomes symbolic of Sieger’s internal struggle. As he runs, he makes a decision that will change everything.
As soon as the race is over, Sieger doesn’t wait to celebrate—he grabs his bike and races away. He rides through the fields and streets, determined to find Marc. The urgency of the moment is palpable, as if Sieger is finally running toward what he truly wants.
When he reaches Marc’s house, Marc is initially hesitant, still hurt from the rejection. But Sieger, out of breath and full of emotion, finally lets his guard down. He doesn’t need to say much—his presence alone speaks volumes. In the final scene, Marc and Sieger ride off together on their bikes, side by side, with soft smiles on their faces.
There is no dramatic confession or grand gesture—just a simple, beautiful acceptance of love and self-discovery.
Themes & Analysis
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Coming-of-Age & Self-Acceptance
- The film captures the complexity of first love and the difficulty of embracing one’s true identity, especially in a world where expectations can feel suffocating.
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Silence & Subtlety
- Unlike many LGBTQ+ films that focus on external conflicts, Jongens is introspective, focusing on Sieger’s internal battle rather than societal rejection.
- The film uses minimal dialogue, relying instead on body language, facial expressions, and naturalistic cinematography to convey emotions.
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Symbolism of Running & Biking
- Running is Sieger’s escape—a place where he can avoid confronting his emotions.
- Biking, however, becomes a symbol of freedom and connection, as seen in the final scene where he rides toward Marc instead of running away.
Conclusion
Jongens (2014) is a beautifully understated and emotionally powerful film that captures the delicate journey of first love, self-discovery, and courage. Instead of heavy drama, the film tells its story through quiet moments, natural interactions, and breathtaking cinematography, making it one of the most authentic LGBTQ+ coming-of-age films.
The film’s ending does not promise a perfect future, but it offers hope—hope that Sieger is finally allowing himself to love freely, and that his journey toward self-acceptance is just beginning.