You are here:

Being 17

Name: Being 17
Director: André Téchiné
Released: 2016
Duration: 116 min

Representation Score

8.7/10

Excellent

2016

Unrated

Director

André Téchiné

Runtime

116 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Being 17 is a sophisticated study of identity that prioritizes the deconstruction of social norms. Its primary strength lies in its deep exploration of queer awakening and the fluidity of adolescent desire. By centering the narrative on the emotional entanglement of its protagonists, the film avoids treating same-sex attraction as a mere subplot. While the film excels in psychological depth and gender subversion, it remains limited by its localized scope. The homogeneous cast reflects a specific geographic context but lacks broader racial and ethnic diversity. Additionally, while mental health is explored through character volatility, it lacks a dedicated focus on specific disabilities. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a highly intentional work of cinema. It replaces rigid social hierarchies with a relativistic exploration of human connection, making it a profound character study.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Being 17 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film centers on a queer awakening between two male protagonists, exploring the intensity of adolescent desire and emotional landscapes that don't conform to typical gender norms. It goes beyond simple representation to delve deeply into the emotional journey of its characters.

How does Being 17 portray gender?

Good

Masculinity is deconstructed by highlighting vulnerability and psychological fragility. The narrative challenges traditional power structures by focusing on emotional intimacy and shifting power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Being 17?

Fair

The cast is predominantly made up of people from similar backgrounds, reflecting a specific French setting. The story focuses on class and geography rather than diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

How does Being 17 represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film embraces moral relativism, presenting adolescent transgressions as integral to identity formation. Traditional family and social institutions are portrayed as unstable.

Does Being 17 include disability representation?

Fair

There is no explicit focus on physical or neurodivergent disabilities. However, the characters' emotional volatility provides a nuanced look at mental health during adolescence.

Present on Screen

A profound exploration of queer identity and adolescent desire.
Effective deconstruction of traditional masculine archetypes through emotional vulnerability.
Sophisticated use of moral relativism to frame adolescent identity formation.

Limited or Absent

Limited racial and ethnic diversity within the localized French setting.
Lack of explicit representation regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Damien lives with his mother Marianne, a doctor, while his father, a pilot, is on a tour of duty abroad with the French military. At school, Damien is bullied by Thomas, who lives in the farming community up in the mountains. The boys find themselves living together when Marianne invites Thomas to come and stay with them while his mother is ill in hospital. Damien must learn to live with the boy who terrorized him.

How are these scores produced? →