Love on Hold
In I Love You More, director Erblin Nushi delicately introduces a world where a young boy struggles quietly to embrace his true self. Ben, a reserved teenager from Kosovo, stands at a crossroads, torn between critical life choices: relocating to America with his family, fulfilling societal expectations, and waiting for a boy he has yet to meet in person but who already occupies a special place in his heart. As a queer film set in Kosovo, I Love You More offers a refreshing and authentic voice to LGBTQ+ cinema.
The Weight of Unspoken Words
Ben’s life is defined by longing, anticipation, and trepidation. He is caught between the desire to honor his family and the need to be true to himself. As the world around him changes, he remains steadfast, holding on to the hope of one day meeting the person who has captured his heart. Don Shala’s performance is understated yet profoundly real; he often conveys more with a look than others might express with words.
Family as a Mirror of Love and Pain
The film’s portrayal of family dynamics is one of its most compelling elements. Ben’s mother is the heart of the home – warm, worn, and resilient. She shoulders the weight of her family’s emotional and practical needs, often suppressing her own desires. Her efforts to understand Ben are genuine, though not always easy. In one poignant moment, after discovering the truth about Ben’s feelings, she asks softly, “If you meet him, will you be ready to go?”
Ben’s father is more remote, absorbed in his art and personal frustrations. His responses often stem from confusion rather than malice. When he wonders if Ben turned out “this way” because of him, his words reflect his own helplessness rather than blame. Even so, through a gradual and painful process, he begins to shift.
Friendship and the Space to Come Out
Ben’s friendship with a girl from school offers both humor and an unexpected source of support. Their playful exchanges and moments of connection create a natural teen dynamic. When Ben finally shares a photo of Leo and confesses his truth, her initial shock is genuine, but so is her acceptance. There are no grand declarations, just a quiet return to trust. It feels grounded in reality.
The Emotional Lens
Visually, the film emphasizes warmth and softness. The landscapes of Kosovo are lovingly captured, casting a nostalgic golden light over the story. The camera stays intimate, but never intrusive, allowing space for the characters’ emotional worlds to unfold without judgment. This visual tenderness mirrors the delicate emotional journey of the protagonist.
Love Not as a Dream, But as a Need
Ben’s yearning is not a form of romantic idealism, but a fundamental need for survival. His quiet plea, “Someone to love me,” carries with it years of suppressed emotion. The film does not present queerness as a problem, but as an essential, quiet truth. In this context, first love is not just about the other person; it is about the moment when one first feels worthy of love. I Love You More handles this with a subtle grace.
The Silence That Changes Things
There are no dramatic plot twists or explosive confrontations in I Love You More. What lingers are the subtle changes – the conversation that finally takes place, the parent who chooses to remain present, the friend who continues to show support. The film does not seek applause; instead, it invites the viewer to listen.
