June 13, 2025

🎬 Consequences (2018) – Review
⭐ Starring Matej Zemljič, Timon Šturbej, Gašper Markun
🎬 Directed by Darko Štante
💬 Sometimes punishment isn’t the end—it’s only the beginning.

Review:
Consequences (2018) is a raw, unflinching portrait of youth, masculinity, and identity in crisis. This Slovenian coming-of-age drama dives deep into the emotional chaos of adolescence, where violence and vulnerability often walk hand in hand. With gripping performances and fearless direction, the film makes a powerful impact that lingers long after the final frame.

Matej Zemljič delivers a breakout performance as Andrej, a troubled teenager sent to a juvenile detention center after a series of reckless decisions. There, he meets Željko (Timon Šturbej), a charismatic yet dangerous figure who leads a group of delinquent boys with magnetic dominance. What begins as a quest for acceptance soon spirals into manipulation, tension, and a dangerous emotional entanglement.

The film doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. Director Darko Štante brings a documentary-like realism to the story, using tight shots, natural lighting, and a stripped-down score to immerse viewers in Andrej’s emotional isolation. The tension between the characters is palpable, and the exploration of hidden desire beneath toxic masculinity is handled with courage and nuance.

At its core, Consequences is about identity—the one we present, the one we suppress, and the one we discover when everything else is stripped away. It’s not a story of easy redemption, but of self-confrontation. Zemljič’s portrayal of Andrej’s inner turmoil is haunting, while Šturbej perfectly captures the manipulative charm of a leader whose power is rooted in fear.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Bold, emotional, and uncompromising—Consequences is a vital piece of queer cinema and one of the most powerful European dramas of its time.