- The Unforgettable Past - "Jonah - Do Not Forget Me"
Jonas (Felix Maritaud) is 33, lives in the southern French city of Toulon, and works as a hospital orderly. He's quite popular. In his free time, he's driven from one sex date to the next, often causing trouble in gay clubs at night. When his ex-boyfriend throws him out of the apartment with harsh words, he speeds aimlessly through the streets on his motorcycle. He can't shake off what happened to him 18 years ago, in 1997.
That's what the French drama "Jonas - Forget Me Not" from 2018 is about, which will be shown this Thursday (15.8.) at 11:45 PM on the rbb. The film is part of the "rbb QUEER" series, which is in its seventh year - this year, the BR and WDR are also presenting some films beyond the hetero norm.
A Kiss Among Teenagers
As a shy 15-year-old (Nicolas Bauwens) with few friends, Jonas met Nathan (Tommy-Lee Baik), a rebellious boy with a large scar on his left cheek whom he found quite cool. He simply sat next to him after the summer holidays in 9th grade - and kissed him soon after. The older Nathan seemed much more mature and brave, he had smoked a joint and was generally in a good mood.
Director and author Christophe Charrier (43, "The Patient", "Doubts") shows an emotional yet fateful love story in his drama (which is quite well dubbed). We see the cautious approach of the two boys, who quickly become inseparable, the knowing behavior of their parents, but also the bullying by other classmates that visibly affects Jonas.
The Gray Game Boy
Charrier uses surprising and fitting flashbacks throughout, with a gray Game Boy playing a not insignificant role. Eventually, Nathan's family reappears.
Felix Maritaud (31, "120 BPM", "Solo") and Nicolas Bauwens (21, "Praise Be to God") share the role of Jonas, which they both play incredibly charmingly and convincingly. Together, they gradually drive the entire story towards a fateful night - in which they fall for a stranger, Jonas panics, and the two lose each other forever.
While Nathan's fate remains unclear, Jonas will never forget him. But now, finally, he can face his previously repressed past to lead a more honest life in the future.
The media has been widely praising the emotional depth and compelling performances in "Jonas - Forget Me Not", with many critics highlighting the strong portrayal of the protagonist's struggle with his past. The film's exploration of young love and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals has resonated with viewers, sparking discussions on social media and in various forums.
