Noordzee, Texas 2011

David Lewis, San Francisco Chronicle: It's a story that's been told countless times, but first-time director Bavo Defurne has such an assured hand and visual flair (much credit also belongs to cinematographer Anton Mertens) that everything seems fresh and new. Read more

Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times: A simmering drama powered by fully drawn characters and fine performances. Read more

John Hartl, Seattle Times: Splendidly acted, especially by Florizoone, whose every thought appears to register on his wide-open features, it's more than promising. Read more

Ben Sachs, Chicago Reader: This debut feature by noted short-film director Bavo Defurne emphasizes ambiance over storytelling, but that ambiance is so flavorsome you might not mind. Read more

Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times: "North Sea Texas" explores emergent sexuality and first love with a refreshing optimism. Read more

Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, Chicago Sun-Times: It's not just that film is underdeveloped - it's that it feels unwilling to develop, preferring to leave its characters and plot points static. The result feels stunted. Read more

Ben Walters, Time Out: Family life and adult power are central here, allowing for bittersweet engagement with emotions over time and the compromises of living in reality. Read more

David Fear, Time Out: Once the visual touches fade away ... there's nothing to stop the parade of cliches. Read more

Chris Packham, Village Voice: A soulful, slightly hyperreal comedy ... Read more