Year: 2012
Runtime: 1 h 26 m
Language: French
Directors: Delphine Coulin, Muriel Coulin
A gripping drama set in Massachusetts, the film follows a group of teenagers whose lives are thrown into turmoil when an unexpected pregnancy triggers a series of impulsive choices. As they navigate the complexities of adolescence and the weight of their decisions, a pact is formed, leading to increasingly devastating consequences and forcing them to confront the realities of their situation.
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In the charming port city of Lorient, life’s unpredictable nature shakes Camille’s world as a spontaneous encounter thrusts her into a daunting new reality. This once care-free teenager now faces the profound implications of an unexpected pregnancy, a consequence stemming from a fleeting moment of vulnerability. As she navigates this new and challenging path, Camille’s relationships with her family and friends begin to transform. Her overburdened mother, who has long struggled to support the family, must now contend with Camille’s emerging sense of responsibility and her determination to carve out a brighter future for both herself and the baby growing inside her.
Confiding in her closest friends—Julia](/actor/julia-ballester), a devoted ally; Flavie, the practical problem-solver; Clémentine, the whimsical free spirit; and Mathilde, the grounded voice of reason—Camille shares her anxiety about pregnancy and the swirling emotions enveloping her. As she grapples with the crucial choice of whether to continue or terminate her pregnancy, her friends rally around her, providing invaluable support as she seeks clarity in her tumultuous journey.
In a surprising twist, Florence, a quiet and socially overlooked classmate, discovers comfort in knowing she, too, harbors personal challenges. Upon learning that Florence is also pregnant, Camille compassionately extends an invitation for her to join their group, nurturing a bond of understanding and solidarity between them.
As news of Camille’s pregnancy spreads throughout their school, strained relations arise between her and her mother. The ensuing confrontation unearths deep-seated conflicts and misunderstandings, ultimately leading Camille to emerge as a more resilient and self-assured individual.
Amidst these challenges, Camille suggests a radical idea to her friends: they should all become pregnant simultaneously, creating a supportive network for themselves that might be missing in their home lives. While Julia, Flavie, and Clémentine are intrigued by the notion, Mathilde quickly voices her concerns about its practicality.
As weeks roll by, Camille’s connections with those around her deepen and transform. She bravely reaches out to the baby’s father for the first time since their encounter, deciding she won’t impose parental responsibilities on him once the child arrives. With Julia offering her support, Camille reflects on what this means for her future.
At the same time, Clémentine confronts her own struggles for acceptance when she struggles to find romantic fulfillment among her peers, leading her to question her identity. As the group delves into the intricacies of life decisions, they must confront their biases and preconceptions, growing stronger and more empathetic in the process.
As the initial upheaval subsides, the concurrent pregnancies of Julia and Flavie set off a frenzy at school, with faculty scrambling to find resolutions to the escalating teenage pregnancy crisis. Determined to break free from parental oversight, the girls devise a plan to establish a communal living situation, relying on welfare to navigate their new roles as mothers. As awareness of their plans grows, more students—beyond Camille’s immediate social circle—find themselves unexpectedly pregnant, creating ripples of anxiety among parents, boys, and school staff. For Camille, the looming threat of expulsion adds to the tension, while the media catches wind of the unfolding drama, intensifying public scrutiny.
With a desire to join her friends in this newfound journey, Clémentine offers to pay a reclusive classmate for assistance, leading to an unexpected partnership. Initially hesitant, he eventually agrees, and Clémentine soon finds herself expecting. As Camille envisions her evolving role as a mother, the bond with her own mother begins to shift positively.
In a twist of fate, when Clémentine’s parents react angrily to her news, she finds refuge with Camille and their friends in an abandoned mobile home to forge their self-sufficient commune. However, during a torrential storm, Clémentine suffers a change of heart and returns to her parents, who ultimately accept her situation. The truth emerges when the group learns that Florence fabricated her pregnancy, leading to her exclusion from their circle.
Tragedy strikes when Camille experiences a devastating miscarriage following a minor accident. As the dust settles, both Camille and her mother vanish without explanation, leaving their friends in uncertainty until they finally reconnect after the birth of their children. The remaining expectant mothers eventually give life to new souls, but their initial dreams of a communal child-rearing venture dissipate as everyone’s paths begin to drift apart.
Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 17:41
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
When idealism gives way to the crushing weight of adolescent decisions.Discover movies like 17 Girls that center on groups of teenagers whose lives are irrevocably changed by a shared pact or radical decision. This collection features emotionally heavy dramas about peer pressure, rebellion, and the sobering consequences of youthful choices.
Stories in this thread typically begin with a moment of adolescent rebellion or idealism that unites a group. This initial pact sets off a chain of events that spirals out of control, forcing the characters to confront the gap between their aspirations and the grim reality of their situation, often resulting in fractured relationships and personal tragedy.
These films are grouped together because they share a central narrative engine—a pivotal group decision among teens—that drives a heavy, often bleak, emotional journey. They explore similar themes of peer pressure, the loss of innocence, and the severe repercussions of collective action.
Intimate, anxious stories about teens trapped by their circumstances.If you liked the anxious, oppressive mood of 17 Girls, explore these similar films. This list features heavy dramas that capture the melancholic and claustrophobic feeling of adolescence, centered on teens navigating misfortune, family conflict, and life-altering decisions.
The narrative often follows one or more teens as they navigate a high-stakes personal crisis that feels inescapable. The world around them—be it family, school, or their small town—closes in, amplifying their anxiety and poor choices. The journey is marked by a rising sense of dread and a sobering confrontation with reality.
These films are united by their powerful, specific mood: a blend of anxiety, melancholy, and claustrophobia that defines the viewing experience. They share a steady pacing that builds tension and a high emotional intensity focused on the raw, often painful, realities of growing up.
Don't stop at just watching — explore 17 Girls in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 17 Girls is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of 17 Girls with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape 17 Girls. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of 17 Girls that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
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Discover movies like 17 Girls that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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