At a concert, Fleur (Nina Meurisse) locks eyes with Julian (Laurence Roothooft) just as she takes her seat, and suddenly a spark takes hold. The unique, noteworthy decision to pursue what Fleur labels “Project 22” offers the initial narrative thrust to Julian. But director Cato Kusters’ politically charged and moving real-life portrait of love turns into one of loss and memory preservation. Adapted from Fleur Pierets’ acclaimed memoir, Julian never lets us forget the reasoning behind Project 22, and Kusters continually captures the challenges of living an outwardly queer life. Kusters’ debut shows just how personal––and painful––those political decisions can be, and the love stories they attempt to deny.