Water Lilies

The events unfold over a single hot summer in the Paris suburb, where days linger long and routines revolve around the swimming team and casual outings. It is a moment of transition from childhood to young adulthood, when boundaries become unclear and curiosity blooms. The environment—peers and the gaze of others—creates pressure that accelerates personal discoveries.

The story unfolds in a middle-class suburb near Paris, where schools, malls, and a local swimming club structure everyday life. Quiet residential streets sit alongside communal spaces like the pool, locker rooms, and a fast-food restaurant, forming a microcosm of teenage social life. The summer setting amplifies social drama as friendships, loyalties, and desires play out in familiar locales.

💫 Sexual Awakening

During a hot summer the film follows three teenagers as they navigate crushes, desire, and the confusion that comes with growing up. The narrative treats sexual curiosity as a complicated, evolving experience rather than a sensational event. Boundaries, consent, and the fear of judgment surface as the girls explore attraction and attraction-driven decisions.

🤝 Friendship & Rivalry

The trio's bond shifts as Marie's attention moves toward Floriane, leaving Anne on the periphery. Jealousy and rumors ripple through the group, testing trust and loyalty. The film frames friendship as a mutable, sometimes painful dynamic under the weight of secrecy and social expectations.

🎭 Reputation & Power

Reputation governs how the girls are perceived by peers and adults, shaping how they move through spaces like the pool, club, and party. The 'romantic' dynamics are filtered through the adult gaze and peer gossip, turning private moments into public performance. The pressure to appear a certain way drives choices and heightens vulnerability.