Teenage Kicks – A Raw, Emotional Portrait of Grief, Desire, and Identity
Teenage Kicks is a powerful 2016 Australian coming-of-age drama directed by Craig Boreham, known for his intimate and uncompromising explorations of queer identity. With Teenage Kicks, Boreham delivers a raw, emotional, and deeply personal film about youth on the brink — capturing the confusion, anger, and vulnerability that comes with growing up, particularly when your world is shaken by tragedy.
At the center of the story is Miklós Varga (played by Miles Szanto), a closeted gay teenager living in a working-class immigrant family in suburban Sydney. Miklós is already struggling with his sexual identity and a deep, unspoken love for his best friend Dan (Daniel Webber), but his world collapses when his older brother Tom dies in a sudden, tragic accident — one that Miklós may have inadvertently caused.
The weight of guilt, grief, and desire drives Miklós into emotional turmoil. He finds himself alienated from his grieving parents, disconnected from his cultural expectations, and unable to express the truth of who he is. As his relationship with Dan becomes more complicated, and he begins experimenting with drugs, sex, and self-destruction, Miklós spirals into a chaotic search for meaning — for a place where he belongs.
The film doesn’t shy away from the messiness of adolescence. Boreham crafts an unflinching look at the emotional minefield of teenage life, especially for queer youth struggling in silence. Teenage Kicks explores what it means to come out in an environment that doesn’t fully understand or accept you — where masculinity is rigid, family roles are entrenched, and self-worth feels conditional.
Miles Szanto gives a devastatingly honest performance as Miklós. His portrayal is filled with restraint and intensity, revealing the layers of pain, confusion, and longing beneath the surface. Szanto embodies the emotional contradiction of being a teenager: wanting to be seen and loved, but terrified of what that vulnerability might cost. His chemistry with Daniel Webber adds to the film’s aching realism — theirs is a friendship charged with affection, tension, and unspoken feelings.
Visually, the film is intimate and atmospheric. Boreham uses soft, natural lighting and handheld camerawork to bring viewers closer to Miklós’ internal world. The suburban setting is both mundane and oppressive, highlighting the character’s yearning for escape. The soundtrack — a mix of indie, ambient, and punk-infused tracks — underscores the raw, emotional energy of youth.
What makes Teenage Kicks stand out is its commitment to emotional truth. It’s not a sanitized or romanticized version of queer youth — it’s gritty, painful, and honest. It doesn’t offer easy resolutions but instead portrays the emotional complexity of growing up with clarity and compassion.
In conclusion, Teenage Kicks is a deeply affecting film about loss, love, identity, and survival. It's a haunting and tender look at the human need for connection and the journey toward self-acceptance. For anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider or carried a secret too heavy to bear, Teenage Kicks is a poignant and unforgettable reminder that even in the darkest moments, there's hope for healing.
