Opened: March 7, 2018

Directed by: Ellen Smit

Starring: Majd Mardo, Josha Stradowski, Jenny Arean, Tanja Jess, Melody Klaver, Mohamad Alahmad, Nazmiye Oral, Elène Zuidmeer, Roscoe Leijen & Sjoerd Dragtsma

A simple romantic film, Just Friends – or Gewoon Vrienden in its original Dutch – will steal your heart.

Upon returning from Amsterdam after dropping his studies, Yad (Majd Mardo) becomes a caretaker for the elderly and becomes close to Ans (Jenny Arean). Ans’ grandson Joris (Josha Stradowski) often comes to visit. Yad and Joris soon begin seeing each other despite pushback from their mothers.

Mardo and Stradowski have great chemistry and work well off each other in all the happy, sad and angry moments. Arean is a scene stealer and will continually crack you up, but her character also gives some wise life advice.

Aside from their romance, the struggles viewers will see with Yad and Joris and their respective families helps develop their characters. Though the families are different, their issues look similar.

Final say: Just romantic. ★★★★☆