I was about 30 seconds into my first watch of August's Reel Ruminators pick when I thought…

I am SO here for this.

It starts with a teenage boy standing on a desk, singing a folk song and egging his classmates to join in.

And it’s electric.

You want to know:

Who is this consummate performer?
And what kind of coming-of-age film opens with a moment like that — as if plucked from a musical?

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It’s a striking opening — all in one gripping long take — that tells you this film is doing something different. And then it goes to places you could not have anticipated (including how this song comes full circle).

The story follows a teenage boy and girl, whose lives are shaped — and limited — by gendered expectations.

They're navigating what it means to try to live with emotional authenticity in a world that punishes your earnestness.

And it's a film that shows how music — especially when you’re a teenager — can sometimes carry feelings you can’t yet articulate.

I first saw this film from Quebec (that's Canada...TECHNICALLY**) during its festival run in 2018.

Even back then, I knew:

• The boy on the desk? (See above.) That actor is giving one of the performances of the decade (and I will follow him anywhere from here).
• This director is major. (I was already a fan, but this cemented it.)
• This film throws out the rulebook in surprising and exciting ways.

It’s no surprise that this actor went on to win multiple Best Actor awards at international festivals, or that the film was nominated for three Canadian Screen Awards (Canada’s version of the Oscars).

And yet…I underrated it.

Each time I’ve returned to it since (and that’s several times this year), I’ve seen something new. And felt something deeper.

I’ve realized: I’m still underrating it.

And now, you get to watch it — with the benefit of all my hindsight.

I choose films like this because they spark imagination, expand your empathy, and stir that quiet rebellious part of you that yearns for a better world.

Whether you join the conversation or watch on your own, you'll probably still be turning this one over for days.

📅 Discussion: Sunday, August 24 at 2 p.m. ET (or catch the replay)

👉 Curious? Come watch with us →​

Hope to see you later this month,

Alex

**So…Quebec is TECHNICALLY Canada, but many Quebecers might disagree — politically, culturally, and cinematically, they could in many ways be a whole different country…
But ummm…both are illegitimate states on stolen land ANYWAY…so…