“Of an Age,” the latest feature film from Goran Stolevski, takes viewers on a journey through the suburbs of Melbourne, exploring themes of teenage alienation, queer romance, and ballroom dancing. Set in the late 1990s, the film follows two teenage best friends, Ebony and Kol, who are both passionate about ballroom dancing but struggling to find their place in the world.
The film’s vivid cinematography and jittery camera work create a palpable sense of unease, capturing the disorientation and anxiety that can accompany the transition from high school to adulthood. For Kol, who hasn’t yet come out as queer, that anxiety is compounded by his feelings for Ebony’s older brother, Adam, who he begins to realize he is attracted to.
As the film unfolds, Stolevski explores the complex dynamics of queer desire and the challenges of coming out in a world that can be hostile to LGBTQ+ people. Through the characters of Kol and Adam, he offers a nuanced portrayal of the joys and pitfalls of queer romance, as well as the ways in which societal norms and expectations can shape and constrain our desires.
At its core, “Of an Age” is a powerful coming-of-age story that speaks to the universal experience of feeling lost and alone in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. Through the eyes of its teenage protagonists, the film offers a poignant and moving exploration of what it means to be young, queer, and searching for a sense of belonging.
As we follow Kol and Ebony on their journey through the suburbs of Melbourne, we are reminded that even in the most seemingly mundane and unremarkable places, there is always the potential for beauty, magic, and unexpected connections. “Of an Age” is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, a testament to the power of cinema to capture the complexity and richness of the human experience.”