Of An Age Review By Marc Primo

The Australian drama "Of an Age" resides in a realm of wistful impossibility: a ethereal space where you encounter someone extraordinary, pondering the possibilities that could never come to fruition, no matter the circumstance.

In his second feature film, writer/director Goran Stolevski shares a story that bears resemblance to other evanescent, gay romances such as the remarkable "Weekend" and "Call Me by Your Name". These narratives offer glimpses into brief yet profoundly transformative connections. Nevertheless, Stolevski adds a personal touch: one of the characters shares the same name as the filmmaker himself, Goran, and also happens to have an ex-boyfriend named Goran, who, like the filmmaker, hails from Macedonia.

"While "Of an Age" successfully captures a moody and melancholic atmosphere, it falls short in terms of character development that would truly evoke devastation. Viewers who have experienced similar fleeting affairs may find it more captivating, while others might perceive it as unconvincing.

"Of an Age" opens with an intriguing twist, focusing on Ebony (Hattie Hook), a teenage girl who wakes up alone on a beach at dawn, feeling hungover. Set in 1999, the absence of smartphones adds a layer of mystery to the story, especially as it progresses in the second chapter. Disoriented, Ebony finds her way to a pay phone and reaches out to Kol (Elias Anton), her ballroom dance partner, knowing he will offer unwavering support without judgment.

The 17-year-old Serbian immigrant is not only good-hearted and incredibly patient but also grappling with his own sexual identity. Despite being gay, he hasn't fully come to terms with it yet. Surprisingly, his involvement in competitive ballroom dancing seems like an afterthought, serving as a vehicle for awkward humor as he dashes through suburban Melbourne in a flashy, low-cut costume. But why does this activity hold such significance for him? Why is he so anxious about potentially missing the finals due to his unreliable partner, who happens to be a party girl? This aspect of his character feels superficially added and lacks exploration.

Kol embarks on a mission to find Ebony's brother, Adam (played by Thom Green), who can offer assistance by giving them a ride. During their hour-long road trip, the two men have a unique and prolonged introduction. Adam, being older and more at ease with his identity as a gay man, recognizes something familiar in Kol. Stolevski, who also serves as the editor, skillfully builds tension as the two engage in conversation, banter, and playful prodding. Despite their stark differences, these characters share endearing and amusing moments as they attempt to impress each other with their knowledge of literature and film. Collaborating with cinematographer Matthew Chuang, Stolevski keenly observes every subtle glance and quiet moment of suppressed desire. The ethereal quality of the visuals suggests that these two individuals are suspended in time, rather than simply racing against it.

When Adam casually comes out as gay, it shocks Kol and stirs something deep within him that he isn't ready to face. One can almost see the light bulb go off in Kol's mind, yet he hesitates to fully embrace it. But who are they really? Adam is sharp-witted with a dry sense of humor, while Kol is nerdy and anxious, hiding his inner strength. They connect over the captivating soundtrack of Wong Kar-Wai's 1997 gay love story, "Happy Together." However, it's important to note that these characters, although intriguing, are not fully explored and remain somewhat elusive in their development.

As a narrative device, Adam is on the verge of leaving the country the following day to pursue his Ph.D. in Argentina, which also serves as the backdrop for "Happy Together." However, aside from the plot's requirement for a deadline, the reasons behind Adam's desire to study abroad remain elusive. Our understanding of his character and priorities primarily stems from his interactions with others: his sister, his ex-boyfriend, and now this unexpected new love interest.

The lead actors have captivating chemistry, though the intensity of their longing may not always feel believable. This is especially evident in the film's conclusion, where Anton exudes confidence, hinting at his character's self-acceptance over time. Yet, the question lingers: can Kol and Adam ever find true happiness together?