Peppermint

In September 1963, 13-year-old Anne Weber and her 15-year-old sister Frédérique spend the summer holiday with their newly divorced father on the coast. This family time sets the stage for their personal and emotional development during the summer break. The sisters enjoy the seaside before returning to their routine in Paris.

After the summer, the sisters return to Paris to live with their mother for the school year. They enroll at the strict all-girls school, Lycée Jules-Ferry, where social dynamics and academic pressure begin to influence their childhood experiences. Anne feels anxious about her social standing and adolescence.

At school, Anne, who is introverted and an underachiever, is mocked by a teacher for a poor art drawing. She struggles with self-esteem issues, particularly over not wearing stockings like her classmates, symbolizing her desire for acceptance and normalcy. She also fantasizes about her menstrual cycle, viewing it as a symbol of womanhood.

Anne and her friends discuss their limited knowledge about sex, revealing their innocence and curiosity. Anne falsely claims that her classmate Marc is her boyfriend, highlighting her desire for social connection and her longing to be part of the romantic world.

Frédérique begins to lose interest in her boyfriend Marc as she becomes more politically active, particularly around the Algerian War and her Jewish identity. Her growing activism causes tension with her wealthy friend Perrine, reflecting her changing perspectives on society.

Frédérique befriends Pascale, who shares a vivid account of a peaceful protest violently broken up by police. This episode deepens Frédérique's understanding of political activism and the brutal reality of political conflict, influencing her worldview.

Rumors spread among the girls about Muriel, who has run away from school to live with a boyfriend on a farm. When visiting her father, Muriel’s father makes an awkward pass at Frédérique, adding tension to the story of her disappearance. Frédérique gets involved in her friends’ lives and their struggles.

Muriel briefly returns, revealing she has dropped out of school and is living on a farm, indicating her desire for independence. This event highlights themes of rebellion and the desire to break free from societal expectations among the students.

Frédérique becomes involved in a school play, showcasing her growing confidence and involvement in school activities. Her father attends the opening night, but she is disappointed when he does not stay to praise her performance, highlighting her need for parental approval.

Later in the story, the girls return to their father’s seaside home for the summer, offering a reprieve from their school life and a chance to reflect on their personal growth amid familial and social dynamics. The summer marks a transition period for the characters.