Soft

In the sweltering heat of a summer, three teenagers are looking for more than just distraction. Amidst neon lights, pulsating beats, and shadowy streets of Toronto, they discover not only the city's queer club scene, but also themselves. Their friendship is close, their bond unconditional—until the disappearance of a loved one forces them to face reality. What began as an intoxicating escape becomes a confrontation with fear, responsibility, and the risk of losing oneself. SOFT is Joseph Amenta's feature film debut and celebrated its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. The queer coming-of-age film tells of youthful freedom and its fragility – in the midst of a world that offers no safe space for many. Amenta observes his characters with documentary-like intimacy, creating a pulsating portrait of queer youth culture in a metropolis. The fresh-faced cast impresses with their energy and sincerity. In a field of tension between escapism, identity, and solidarity, the film shows what it means to be visible—and what is at stake when that visibility is threatened. SOFT is a courageous contribution to Canadian queer cinema and a powerful proof that even quiet stories can be deeply moving.