Oh man! This film is definitely not an easy watch. Tackling the subject of paedophilia is challenging, especially when the narrative is centered around the perspective of the paedophile, regardless of how sensitively it’s approached. As a society, we’re just not ready to confront such topics, particularly when it involves a 15-year-old grappling with the realization that he might be a paedophile. This film will linger with you for a long time.
We meet Gabo, a 15-year-old who appears to be a typical teenager—going to school, hanging out with friends, and playing video games. However, it quickly becomes clear that he’s developing troubling tendencies. He forms an online friendship with a man in his forties named Dave, and it doesn’t take long for us to understand the dynamics at play. Dave has a preference for young boys and develops a crush on Gabo. Shockingly, Gabo finds himself in love with his best friend’s 8-year-old brother, Sam, and he’s aware that this is problematic. Instead of seeking help, Gabo turns to Dave for support, unaware that Dave’s intentions are to seduce him.
The plot thickens when Dave is arrested on suspicion of statutory rape, leaving Gabo in a moral quandary about whether to testify against him while grappling with his own troubling secret. Initially, Gabo denies knowing Dave, but the evidence—like their online chats—tells a different story. When Sam’s picture is discovered on Dave’s computer, Gabo finds himself without an explanation. The emotional turmoil that Gabo experiences in the following days is haunting, especially as he navigates interactions with the police, his mother, and his sister. Imagine how overwhelming this must be for a 15-year-old!
Eventually, the pressure becomes too much for Gabo, and he confides in his sister about possibly being a paedophile. He decides to disclose his relationship with Dave and his feelings for Sam to the lawyer and the police, hoping for appropriate action. The film concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that Gabo might finally receive the counseling he needs.
The premise of this film is deeply unsettling, and the filmmakers take a direct, unflinching approach without sugarcoating anything. You witness how Dave manipulates Gabo for his own gratification, while Gabo wrestles with his unspoken feelings for an 8-year-old. It’s incredibly uncomfortable to watch. The film challenges various societal issues: the school system, parent-child relationships, easy access to pornography and dating apps, and the lack of psychological support for young people.
For most of its runtime, the film serves as a surprisingly empathetic and non-judgmental character study. It largely succeeds because Gabo isn’t yet an abuser, yet it raises numerous ethical concerns about how much it reveals. Setting aside moral judgments, the actor portraying Gabo delivers a remarkable performance. His natural portrayal helps viewers connect with his emotions and share in his suffering. From carefree moments riding his bike to the harsh realities he faces, the pressure Gabo endures from all sides is staggering. It’s understandable yet incredibly difficult to process.
The film is emotionally wrenching, as you find yourself torn between condemning Gabo’s thoughts and actions, which can feel repulsive, and experiencing understanding, compassion, and sympathy for him. I can’t fathom how the filmmaker chose such a subject, but it’s undeniably brave. Even as I write this review, I’m conflicted about whether to recommend the film. The topic is taboo and extremely uncomfortable, yet the sensitivity with which it’s handled and the storytelling of an almost impossible narrative deserve recognition. As a viewer, you need to experience this film to appreciate the immense effort that went into creating it.
