Silent Youth is a German film directed by Diemon Kemmesies, which describes itself as a film for misfits, dreamers and lovers. It's a classic, arthouse piece of queer cinema which steers clear of the tropes of more mainstream films. Although critical reception was mixed, with some reviewers finding the film slow-paced and dull, I found the film to be moving, powerful and atmospheric. As the title implies, much of this film is understated and the dialogue is sparse. As a result, this is a slow, quietly paced film which demands to be watched only when you have time to focus and lose yourself in it fully. Much of the impact of the film comes with the unspoken gestures – the words left unsaid – and as a result it’s a film which requires the viewer’s full attention.
