Me, Myself and Mum

Guillaume is a sensitive, artistic boy who resists rigid gender norms. He mirrors his mother’s voice to understand her, seeking a place to belong in a world that teases or excludes him. His journey through schools, dance, and relationships reveals an evolving sense of self and desire. The arc centers on finding acceptance within family and society.

Paqui is a warm Spanish woman who hosts Guillaume in La Línea de la Concepción, bridging cultures despite a language barrier. She introduces him to Sevillanas, offering a form of acceptance he hasn’t found at home. Her presence highlights the power of mentorship and cross-cultural exchange.

Jérémy is Guillaume’s schoolmate at the English boarding school and becomes a tender, if brief, object of affection. He is involved with a girl, producing a sense of ascent and later heartbreak for Guillaume. This relationship marks a crucial step in Guillaume’s discovery of his sexuality.

Karim is a man Guillaume meets in a nightclub, where a tense encounter underscores Guillaume’s insecurities and boundaries. The experience tests Guillaume’s nerve and reveals his discomfort in certain sexual contexts. It mirrors his ongoing exploration of desire and consent.

Ingeborg is a figure at a Bavarian spa who participates in Guillaume’s therapeutic journey. Her involvement, including a surprising colonic, pushes Guillaume to confront his sexuality and feelings. She represents a clinical yet caring approach to self-discovery.

Raymund is a Bavarian masseur whose strenuous sports massage accompanies Guillaume’s emotional work. The physical intensity of the session mirrors the intensity of Guillaume’s internal exploration. His role emphasizes the body’s role in healing and discovery.

Babou is Guillaume’s grandmother who animates family life with impersonations and warmth. Her playful energy nudges the family toward openness and a broader sense of family ties. She embodies a bridge between past attitudes and new possibilities.

Amandine becomes Guillaume’s later love, offering sincere connection and stability. Their engagement marks a hopeful step toward acceptance and a future built on mutual care. She helps Guillaume see a path beyond fear toward lasting intimacy.

Le Père is Guillaume’s father, uneasy with his son’s nonconformity and anxious about preserving masculine norms. He moves Guillaume to an all-boys boarding school and arranges professional evaluations, reflecting a protective but punitive approach. His stance highlights the tension between parental authority and a child’s authentic identity.

Guillaume’s mother dismisses his effeminate moments, driven by fear of losing him and disrupting familiar routines. Her fear is protective yet limiting, illustrating the complexities of maternal love in shaping a child’s path. Her responses propel Guillaume toward independence and self-acceptance.

Tante d’Amérique offers a broad, travel-tinged perspective on family and life beyond Guillaume’s immediate circle. Her views add a sense of possibility and distance from home’s constraints. She represents an external voice in the tapestry of Guillaume’s coming-of-age.

Tante Polyglote embodies linguistic curiosity and cultural curiosity, nudging Guillaume to test boundaries and explore new desires. Her multilingual skills symbolize the broader theme of cross-cultural understanding. She contributes to Guillaume’s sense of a world beyond his upbringing.

Appelé militaire appears in the backdrop of Guillaume’s experiences with national service, reflecting societal expectations and the impact on his identity. The character helps anchor the broader pressures Guillaume faces as he grows up.