Set during a Stockholm summer, this love story follows two youths, Sebastian and Andreas, as they embark on a journey of discovery across the big city landscape. Sebastian (Saga Becker) is an introspective boy who’s uncomfortable in his own skin—mentally, emotionally, and physically. He’s androgynous and looking for the strength to transition to being female. He’s also seeking intimacy and love in all the wrong places— cruising public bathrooms and seedy alleys, only to find rough sex and abuse. Sebastian has a chance encounter with Andreas (Iggy Malmborg), a wayward straight boy who is drawn to Sebastian. Both have the same need for love, and they venture out into the city, shoplifting and exploiting others just to trigger an emotional connection.

The sex they have is intensely physical — brutal, if only to break the barrier into deeper intimacy. Andreas struggles with confusion in this new relationship. He’s falling in love with Sebastian’s feminine side — Ellie — but pushes Sebastian as a boy away. Sebastian doesn’t understand and desperately clings to Andreas. Through their intense relationship, Sebastian begins to understand the way Ellie can be loved. Ester Martin Bergsmark’s (Fruitcake and She Male Snails) first foray into fiction offers a raw and vibrant film that brings the actors’ intensity into focus. Something Must Break offers a powerful message about transitioning and learning to know oneself.