This first-time feature by director Lionel Baier tells a remarkably edgy, original, and ultimately heartwarming coming-of-age story.

Loïc is a young gay man in Switzerland struggling to understand his place in the world. Estranged from his family and prematurely jaded, he lives with his friend Marie, who coolly indulges his stories of wild sexual conquest and catastrophe. Attractive Loïc lives from one such rampant sexual encounter to the next, neither finding nor seeking anything deeper with any of the casual lovers who spice up his boring routine as an assembly-line worker in a candy factory.

Still, he longs for acknowledgement of his inner beauty, somewhat desperately flaunting a series of cultural interests that he hopes will make him seem more than just a pretty face or a "stupid boy."

Loïc is little prepared, though, when a personal ad brings him face-to-face with Lionel, who expresses an interest in simply getting to know this unusual boy bet­ ter. Faced with too much of what he wished for, Loïc flees again to the realm of fantasy, stalking a sports star he has idolized. But he has already begun the steep climb to believing in himself and connecting with others — a journey that will have shattering repercussions for Marie, Lionel, and Loïc himself.

A detailed examination of the inner trials of young adulthood, Baier's film confronts the age of irony with a vigorous affirmation of hope, friendship, and love.