Being 17

Seventeen-year-old Damien lives a comfortable life with his dedicated mother, Marianne, in a serene small town in the Hautes-Pyrénées. His father, Nathan, is away serving as a military pilot, which adds a layer of complexity to Damien's life.

Damien experiences relentless bullying at school from a classmate named Thomas, who trips him during class without any clear reason. This initial confrontation escalates into ongoing altercations during sports and in the schoolyard.

In an attempt to defend himself against the bullying, Damien decides to take self-defense classes from Paulo, an ex-military family friend. This decision marks the beginning of Damien’s journey towards empowerment and self-reliance.

Thomas, the biracial adopted son of a couple managing a farm, faces his own challenges, including the daily struggles of a lengthy commute to school. His complex family dynamics are further complicated by his mother's health issues.

Marianne visits Thomas's home to treat his mother, Christine, who suffers from a pulmonary infection. During this visit, Thomas expresses his concern about his mother's well-being as he anticipates the arrival of a new sibling.

To help Thomas focus on his studies without the exhausting commute, Marianne offers him a place to stay. This new living arrangement occurs just as Nathan returns from his military duties, which complicates Damien's feelings of jealousy and rivalry.

Despite living together, the rivalry between Damien and Thomas persists, largely driven by Damien's jealousy of the attention Marianne gives Thomas. This tension leads to accusations and confrontations between the two boys.

During a heated encounter, a downpour forces Damien and Thomas to seek shelter. In a moment of vulnerability, Thomas suggests swimming in a mountain lake, leading to an unexpected connection as he strips naked, leaving Damien in awe.

Damien's curiosity leads him to invite Thomas for a sexual experiment involving a man he found online. After backing out of the encounter, he confesses his feelings to Thomas, stating that he needs to know if he’s into guys or just Thomas, causing Thomas to react strongly.

Following the revelation of Damien's feelings, a physical confrontation occurs at the riverbank, resulting in Thomas breaking his wrist. This incident dramatically escalates their already tense relationship and leads to turbulent consequences.

After a series of miscommunications and altercations, Thomas is expelled from school following an encounter with Damien. This incident leaves Damien feeling conflicted and seeking solace from his mother, Marianne.

Tragedy strikes as Nathan dies on a military mission, leaving both Marianne and Damien devastated. This loss deepens the emotional turmoil for Damien, who finds an unexpected source of comfort in Thomas during the grieving process.

Following Nathan's death, Thomas moves back in with Damien and Marianne to provide emotional support. Their bond grows as they work together on school projects, helping each other navigate their feelings of grief.

After some time, Marianne decides to accept a job in Lyon, which signifies a new chapter for their family. She encourages Damien to believe in himself and fosters a connection between him and Thomas despite the distance.

In a heartwarming finale, Thomas descends the slope to reunite with Damien after Marianne has moved. Their meeting culminates in a tender kiss, symbolizing the hope and connection they have forged through their tumultuous journey.