‘Clandestine Childhood’’ is the impressive first feature by Argentine director Benjamín Avila.

Based on his own early life, it’s set in 1979, when Argentina was ruled by a harsh military junta. At the heart of the story is 12-year-old Juan, who has returned to his country with his parents, fugitive political activists who have been in exile in Cuba. With them is the family’s infant daughter.

Using assumed names (Juan becomes Ernesto), they settle in, attempting to lead as normal and inconspicuous a life as possible. The father’s brother runs a chocolate-peanut company, which provides a tasty cover.

The South American import has its share of violence, which is depicted in good-looking, stylized animation.

But it is less a political thriller than a sweet tale of first love, involving Juan and classmate Maria, whom the boy first notices in gym class. Teo Gutiérrez Moreno and Violeta Palukas are treats as the young couple.