Being 17 (original title: Quand on a 17 ans) is a French coming-of-age drama that explores themes of identity, love, and self-discovery. The story follows Damien, the son of a military officer and a loving doctor, Marianne, who lives in a small town in the French Pyrenees. He is an intelligent but somewhat arrogant teenager, often isolated due to his unique personality. Meanwhile, Thomas, a mixed-race boy from a farming family, struggles with school and faces pressures from his adoptive parents. Despite having no apparent connection, the two boys share an intense and volatile relationship, frequently engaging in physical fights and antagonizing each other at school. Their hostility seems irrational, but beneath the surface, it is fueled by emotions neither of them fully understands.
When Thomasβs mother falls ill and is hospitalized, Marianne, recognizing his struggles, invites him to stay at their home to reduce his long daily commute to school. This unexpected arrangement forces Damien and Thomas to coexist, leading to increased tension but also deeper interactions. Their initial hostility gradually softens as they start seeing each other beyond their conflicts. Damien, who has long suspected his attraction to Thomas, struggles with his emotions, unsure of how Thomas feels. The change in their dynamic is subtle but significantβwhat was once expressed through aggression and rivalry begins to transform into something more tender and complex.
As the boys spend more time together, Damienβs feelings become more apparent. He tries to get closer to Thomas, but Thomas, raised in a more traditional and masculine environment, resists these emotions, unsure of his own identity. However, their connection grows undeniable, leading to moments of intimacy and vulnerability. Thomas, despite his initial rejection of any romantic feelings, starts questioning his own emotions toward Damien. The film carefully portrays this transformation, allowing their relationship to evolve naturally and authentically. Their shared experiencesβwhether moments of comfort, silent understanding, or tensionβbring them closer to accepting their true feelings.
Eventually, Thomas begins to reciprocate Damienβs affection, but his journey to self-acceptance is not easy. He battles his fears and insecurities, struggling with the implications of his emotions. The backdrop of the cold, isolated landscape mirrors their internal struggles, highlighting the challenges of coming to terms with oneβs identity in an environment that does not openly encourage such exploration. When Thomas finally allows himself to embrace his feelings for Damien, their relationship flourishes in a way that feels both inevitable and cathartic. However, their happiness is overshadowed by tragedy when Thomasβs mother passes away, leaving him devastated and questioning everything once again.
Despite the heartbreak, Being 17 ultimately delivers a hopeful message about love and self-acceptance. Thomas and Damienβs journey is not just about romance, but about the process of understanding themselves and each other. Through their struggles, they learn that love, in any form, requires courage and vulnerability. The film beautifully captures the turbulence of teenage emotions, the fear of the unknown, and the joy of discovering connection in unexpected places. With stunning cinematography and raw, emotional performances, Being 17 stands as a powerful portrayal of young love, identity, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
