Being 17

Being 17

Year: 2016

Runtime: 116 min

Language: French

Director: André Téchiné

DramaRomance

Damien's life takes an unexpected turn when his mother, a doctor, invites Thomas, a boy whose mother is seriously ill, to live with them. Thomas is being bullied by Damien, and the shared household forces the two boys to confront their issues and develop an uneasy relationship as they navigate adolescence and family dynamics.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Being 17 yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Being 17 (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Being 17 (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The exact time period is not specified, but the movie explores contemporary themes of adolescence and personal growth in a modern setting. The characters navigate their challenges amidst the backdrop of current societal dynamics.

Location

Hautes-Pyrénées, Lyon

The story unfolds in the serene small town of Hautes-Pyrénées, known for its picturesque landscapes and mountainous terrain. This tranquil environment serves as a backdrop for the emotional turmoil between the characters. Additionally, Lyon represents a new beginning for Damien and his mother, introducing the character to urban life and opportunities.

🏞️ Mountains 🏡 Small Town 🌆 City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:51

Main Characters – Being 17 (2016)

Meet the key characters of Being 17 (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Damien

Damien is a sensitive and intelligent seventeen-year-old navigating the challenges of adolescence. He grapples with feelings of jealousy and insecurity, especially concerning Thomas, whom he initially sees as a rival. Throughout the film, he evolves emotionally, seeking connection and understanding.

🧑‍🎓 Student 😔 Insecure 🏋️ Self-Defense

Thomas

Thomas is the biracial adopted son of a farming couple, facing his own struggles at home and school. Despite being a source of tension for Damien, he reveals his complexity as a character who deals with insecurities and family pressures. His relationship with Damien develops through shared challenges and vulnerability.

👦 Adopted 🐑 Farmer's Son 🤔 Complex

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:51

Major Themes – Being 17 (2016)

Explore the central themes of Being 17 (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Rivalry

The film delves into the complexities of love and rivalry, particularly between Damien and Thomas. Their relationship is marred by jealousy and competition, yet it evolves through shared struggles and vulnerability. Ultimately, this theme highlights the transformative power of connection amidst conflict.

🌧️ Coming of Age

Both Damien and Thomas experience significant personal growth throughout the story, facing their identities and emotions. The coming-of-age theme is marked by moments of introspection, conflict, and eventual acceptance of their feelings for one another. Their journey reflects the challenges faced during adolescence.

👨‍👦 Family Dynamics

Family relationships play a critical role in shaping the characters' experiences. The film portrays the effects of parental roles, support systems, and individual struggles within family structures. Marianne's role as a devoted mother navigating grief further complicates the familial dynamics.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:51

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Bittersweet coming-of-age movies with first love like Being 17

Stories about the tender pain and awkward beauty of growing up and falling in love.If you liked the raw and tender portrayal of adolescence in Being 17, explore more movies about the awkward beauty of first love and identity. These similar coming-of-age dramas capture the bittersweet mix of vulnerability, hope, and tension that defines growing up.

bittersweettenderawkwardvulnerablehopefulintrospectivemelancholicraw

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows young protagonists as they grapple with internal and external conflicts related to their identity, family, and first romantic feelings. The central relationship often starts with friction or misunderstanding, evolving slowly into a deep, uneasy connection. The plot weaves personal growth with family or social issues, culminating in an ending that feels earned and hopeful, though tinged with the sadness of change.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the bittersweet emotional landscape of adolescence. They share a steady, character-driven pace, a medium emotional weight that feels authentic without being overwhelming, and a core theme of navigating complicated feelings and relationships to find a sense of belonging.

Enemies to lovers romance dramas with emotional depth like Being 17

Where a hostile relationship slowly transforms into a deep, complicated love.Fans of the tense, evolving relationship between Damien and Thomas in Being 17 will enjoy these enemy-to-lovers stories. Discover similar movies where initial hostility and bullying slowly melt into a deep, tender, and hard-won romance against a backdrop of personal turmoil.

tenserawtendervulnerableslow burnemotionalcatharticpassionate

Narrative Summary

The plot hinges on a forced proximity scenario that traps two initially hostile characters. Their conflict serves as a mask for deeper insecurities or attractions. Through shared experiences and vulnerabilities, the walls break down, leading to an uneasy truce and eventually a passionate or deeply tender romance. The external pressures (family, grief, social expectations) act as a crucible, forging a stronger bond between them.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by the specific romantic arc of 'enemies to lovers'. They share a raw and tense mood that evolves into tenderness, a focus on character vulnerability, and a narrative that uses conflict as a catalyst for intimate connection. The pacing is often steady, allowing the relationship to develop believably.

Unlock the Full Story of Being 17

Don't stop at just watching — explore Being 17 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 Being 17 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Being 17 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Being 17, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Being 17 Summary

Being 17 Timeline

Track the full timeline of Being 17 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Being 17 Timeline

Being 17 Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Being 17 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.

Being 17 Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Being 17

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Being 17: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Being 17

Similar Movies to Being 17

Discover movies like Being 17 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.