A Real Young Girl

Alice Bonnard, a 14-year-old girl, returns to her picturesque home in the Landes forest for the summer of 1963. This homecoming sets the stage for a reflective journey on her personal experiences during her time at boarding school in France.

During her summer, Alice reflects on her time at boarding school, where she often felt bored and disconnected. These memories prompt her to explore her identity and emotional landscape more profoundly.

One vivid recollection from her time at school involves a deeply personal moment where Alice's curiosity leads her to use a spoon in an unexpected way. This moment underscores her budding self-exploration and the complexities of her developing sexuality.

Fate introduces Alice to Jim, a young man employed by her father, and she is instantly captivated by him. This impactful encounter draws her into a realm of intense sexual fantasies that complicate her emotional state.

Alice becomes consumed by fantasies involving Jim, particularly one that is disturbingly vivid. In this fantasy, Jim binds her with barbed wire and attempts to introduce an earthworm into her body, which reflects her tumultuous internal struggles and naiveté.

Alice's summer takes a dark turn during a carnival ride when she encounters a middle-aged man who exposes himself to her. This incident forces her to confront uncomfortable feelings and leads to unsettling thoughts about her own father.

Following her disturbing carnival experience, Alice decides to unveil herself to Jim. This leap into intimacy culminates in a mutual act of masturbation, leaving Alice engulfed in embarrassment and further complicating her emotions.

As Alice navigates her turbulent feelings, she uncovers a painful truth: her father is having an affair. This revelation shatters her perceptions of family and trust, adding to her emotional disarray.

Amidst the chaos, Jim begins to exert pressure on Alice to engage more deeply in sexual activity. This creates a conflict within Alice as she grapples with her desires and her moral compass.

The narrative takes a shocking twist when Jim meets his untimely demise due to a trap set by Alice's father aimed at wild boars. This tragedy not only ends Jim's life but also leaves Alice bewildered and grappling with conflicting emotions.

In the aftermath of Jim's death, Alice is left to confront the complexities of her experiences over that summer. She navigates feelings of desire, betrayal, and confusion as she attempts to understand her own emerging sexuality.

As summer draws to a close, Alice embarks on a painful journey of self-discovery. The intricate interplay of her feelings toward Jim, her father, and her own identity forces her to reevaluate her understanding of intimacy and relationships.