Cappuccino

Synopsis from IMDB

Despite his marginal and extrovert looks, Jérémie is a shy teenager who keeps a heavy secret: his homosexuality. While trying to find his way between his classmate and sexual fantasy Damien and his very generous but protective mother Gina, his life is about to change...

Cappuccino, a 16 minute 2010 short film from Switzerland, focuses on endearingly awkward Jeremy (Benjamin Décosterd) as he juggles life with his mother (Manuela Biedermann) and his crush on classmate Damien (Anton Ciurlia). Unrequited teenage love is a familiar story – sometimes painfully so – but handled confidently here, without becoming melodramatic. Décosterd is suitably vulnerable as things don’t go to plan, but towards the end your attention may be drawn more to Biedermann’s strong turn as his mother.

Well-executed throughout, with specific attention lovingly paid to the light and shade of the piece, here we find writer and director Tamer Ruggli weaving a tale that whilst walking more than familiar cinematic ground, nevertheless wonderfully depicts the raw reality of a gay teenager's first crush.

To watch Cappuccino, click here.