The Adolescent

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Provence in the late 1930s, "The Adolescent" is a poignant coming-of-age drama that explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The film, directed by André Téchiné, tells the story of 13-year-old Marie, a young girl on the cusp of adolescence, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a small town near Avignon. Marie's summer vacation with her parents and grandparents is meant to be a relaxing and idyllic retreat from the stresses of modern life. However, for Marie, the experience becomes a transformative and often tumultuous journey of exploration and discovery. As she spends more time in the quiet town, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, Marie begins to develop feelings of femininity and desire that she has never experienced before. It is during this time that Marie meets Dr. Cohen, a young Jewish doctor who has recently arrived in the town. The doctor's kind and gentle demeanor immediately draws Marie to him, and she finds herself smitten with the idea of being his friend, confidante, and perhaps even something more. However, despite Marie's infatuation, it soon becomes clear that Dr. Cohen's affections are not reciprocated, at least not in the way that she had hoped. As Marie navigates her complicated feelings for Dr. Cohen, she is forced to confront the harsh realities of adolescence, including the unrequited nature of first love and the difficulties of navigating a world that is rapidly changing. However, it is not just her relationships with the people around her that pose a challenge, but also her relationships with her own identity and sense of self. Throughout the film, Marie's relationships with her family, particularly her mother, Eva, are put under the microscope. Eva, played by Emmanuelle Béart, is a beautiful and confident woman who has a deep connection with the young doctor. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Eva's relationship with Dr. Cohen is not just a platonic friendship, but something deeper and more complex. The tension between Marie and her mother's interactions with the doctor is palpable, and the audience is left to wonder if Eva's feelings for Dr. Cohen are driven by a desire for romance or a desire to recapture a sense of youth and beauty that she has lost. Marie's feelings of jealousy and insecurity are heightened by the fact that her mother seems to be the only person in the world who truly understands and appreciates Dr. Cohen, at least in the way that she does. Despite the complexities of her relationships with her family and Dr. Cohen, Marie's story is ultimately a triumphant and empowering one. As she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence, Marie comes to realize that she is more than just a fragile, impressionable young girl. She is a strong, capable, and independent individual who is capable of forming her own opinions, making her own choices, and defining her own sense of self. The film's use of location is also noteworthy, as the picturesque landscapes of Provence become an integral part of Marie's story. The rolling hills, cypress trees, and vineyards of the region create a sense of timelessness and serenity, underscoring the fact that Marie's struggles to come to terms with her own identity and sense of self are timeless and universal. In the end, "The Adolescent" is a poignant and affecting coming-of-age drama that explores the complexities of love, identity, and relationships in a way that is both timely and timeless. The film is a beautiful and moving tribute to the beauty and fragility of adolescence, and a reminder that, no matter what challenges we face, we are always capable of growth, transformation, and self-discovery.