Pim a lonely teenager moves in with newly found friend Gino. Unknowingly for him that Gino would move out. Eventually Gino departs to meet his newly found lover. Leaves Pim awaiting the day he returns. He eventually returns later when Pimp thought all hope was lost.
It's a story that's been told countless times, but first-time director Bavo Defurne has such an assured hand and visual flair (much credit also belongs to cinematographer Anton Mertens) that everything seems fresh and new.
In the annals of gay cinema about growing up, "North Sea Texas" is, regrettably, an unoriginal and rather disposable take on a subject that's been done much better in the past.
There's a chilly, wistful and rather matter-of-fact tone to the proceedings and this helps separate the rather run-of-the-mill aspects of the plot from the herd of teenager-in-love movies.
It's not just that film is underdeveloped - it's that it feels unwilling to develop, preferring to leave its characters and plot points static. The result feels stunted.
The film succeeds in creating a dense atmospheric feel and avoids generic tropes, but it does so somewhat at the neglect of its characters and narrative.
Thematically, this Dutsch tale of coming of age and first love is extremely familar. but it's sincerely treated and well acted by the two central boys.
This debut feature by noted short-film director Bavo Defurne emphasizes ambiance over storytelling, but that ambiance is so flavorsome you might not mind.
