I Am Jonas (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot
I Am Jonas is a 2018 romantic drama directed by Christophe Charrier, starring Félix Maritaud as Jonas (adult), Tommy Lee Baïk and Franck Libert. It runs 1 hour 22 minutes. Its Echo Score is 81/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 22m (82 min)
- Director
- Christophe Charrier
- Original language
-
French
- Studio
- ARTE (FR)
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is I Am Jonas About?
The premise of I Am Jonas without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
At fourteen, Jonas’s life changed when he met Nathan, a charismatic and enigmatic figure who helped him explore his sexuality. However, Jonas soon discovers a troubling and dangerous side to his friend. Years later, now a confident adult, Jonas is still haunted by those formative experiences and the secrets they hold.
I Am Jonas Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- gay teenager
- gay interest
- gay
- gay kiss
- teenage boy
- gay bar
- gay club
- missing person
- nintendo
- pretending to faint
- teenager
- gay protagonist
+38 more Show fewer
- gay character
- gay slur
- gay cinema
- gay dating app
- gay crush
- gay relationship
- gay male
- gay youth
- gay romance
- gay flirting
- gay taunting
- gay theme
- gay high school student
- gay love
- gay brother
- gay schoolboy
- gay kid
- gay angst
- underage gay
- gay drama
- teen smoking
- high school
- reference to princess diana
- flashback
- dating app
- childhood trauma
- doorman
- facial scar
- bullying
- swimming pool
- amusement park
- mother son relationship
- father son relationship
- kidnapping
- disappearance
- shyness
- reference to gregg araki
- underage
I Am Jonas Cast & Characters
Félix Maritaud leads the cast as Jonas (adult), with Tommy Lee Baïk as Nathan and Franck Libert as policier 1997. Directed by Christophe Charrier; 23 actors are credited in all.
- Director Christophe Charrier
-
Félix Maritaud as Jonas (adult) - Tommy Lee Baïk as Nathan
- Franck Libert as policier 1997
- Cyril Bertucci as videur du Boys Paradise 1997
Also Starring in I Am Jonas
· 19 more- Ilian Bergala Léonard
- John Karalian le mec du Boys Paradise
- Nicolas Sartous The Predator
- Aure Atika Nathan's Mother
- Marie Denarnaud Jonas's Mother
- David Baïot Samuel
- Julien Naccache Grindr Guy
- Edith Saulnier Caroline (teenager)
- Ingrid Graziani Caroline
- Jean-Luc Rehel le voisin
- Matthieu Lestrade professeur d’histoire-géographie
- Nicolas Bauwens Jonas (teenager)
- Pierre Cartonnet Jonas's Father
- Marcel Bouzige le garçon moqueur
- Peggy Mahieu l'infirmière
- Bernard Massoni vieil homme malade
Show all 23 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Annie Pardo vieille dame de l’hôpital
- Ali Pekoz videur du Boys Paradise 2015
- Daniel Lawless policier 2015
More from Christophe Charrier
One more film directed by Christophe Charrier: The Lost Patient.
I Am Jonas Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (70).
I Am Jonas Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, I Am Jonas delivers a compelling emotional drama anchored by strong direction and nuanced performances. The dual‑timeline narrative keeps the plot engaging, while the cinematography adds a subtle visual texture. Although the casting age discrepancy and the abrupt ending generate some distraction, the film’s thematic depth and resonant atmosphere create lasting impact, making it a worthwhile viewing that encourages at least one additional watch.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from confident direction that balances two timelines without losing focus. Cinematography is noted for its understated palette and weekend‑like framing, contributing to an intimate mood. Editing maintains measured pacing, though the climax feels hurried, slightly undermining the visual cohesion. Overall, the technical execution supports the narrative effectively.
- Character & Emotion 85
When evaluating character and emotion, performances stand out as a major strength. Félix Maritaud and Nicolas Bauwens deliver nuanced portrayals that convey inner turmoil with subtlety, and the supporting cast provides authentic chemistry. The age‑mismatch casting choice is a noted flaw, yet it does not significantly detract from the emotional resonance. In sum, the acting depth elevates the film’s impact.
- Story & Flow 78
The story intertwines teenage romance with adult despair through parallel timelines, creating an engaging mystery that unfolds gradually. Originality shines in the way memories shape present decisions, and the emotional stakes remain compelling. However, the resolution feels abrupt, leaving several narrative threads unresolved, and some dialogue appears clichéd. Overall, the plot’s strengths outweigh its uneven conclusion.
- Sensory Experience 70
Sensory experience is anchored by a restrained visual style, with muted color tones that reflect the protagonist’s inner state. Soundtrack and sound design receive limited mention, suggesting they are unobtrusive rather than standout. The cinematography’s weekend‑like quality and careful framing enhance mood, while occasional pacing issues slightly disrupt immersion. Overall, the sensory elements subtly support the film’s tone.
- Rewatch Factor 75
Rewatch potential is mixed; the emotional layers and dual‑timeline structure invite a second viewing to uncover subtleties. While the unresolved ending may frustrate some, the strong performances and atmospheric visuals reward repeated engagement. Viewers expressed a desire to experience the film again despite its flaws, indicating moderate lasting appeal. Thus, the film merits at least one more watch.
I Am Jonas Plot Summary
What happens in I Am Jonas from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
1997 marks the setting as the story unfolds, and the plot moves in a clear, chronological rhythm even while the film shifts between present moments and memories. Jonas is a fifteen-year-old trying to find his place at school, a quiet presence who seems to drift through the day until a new pupil arrives and turns his world upside down. Nathan quickly takes him under his wing, and what starts as a friendship soon blooms into something more intimate, a tender first love that grows beneath the surface of everyday life. The two boys lean on each other as they navigate the awkwardness of adolescence, the unspoken questions of desire, and the fragile state of their own identities.
Full summary
The whole story of I Am Jonas, scene by scene
I Am Jonas Trailers & Videos
The trailer of I Am Jonas.
How Well Do You Know I Am Jonas?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In what year is the story of the film set?
I Am Jonas Also Known As
19 alternative titles, including “Boys” and “Jonas ジョナス”.
- Also known as
-
- Boys
- Jonas ジョナス
- 男儿旧情
- 拿爱线索
- Жонас
- Jonas - Vergiss mich nicht!
- Джонас
- 拿愛線索
- 내 이름은 조나스
- Με Λένε Ζονάς
- 乔纳斯, ჯონასი
- ג'ונאס
+7 more Show fewer
- Jonas/ジョナス
- As Vidas de Jonas
- Viața lui Jonas
- 男兒舊情
- جوناس
- Jonas – Vergiss mich nicht!
- โจนาส
Seen I Am Jonas?
Movies Like I Am Jonas
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Isy Way Out, What If I’m Gay? and As I Am.
I Am Jonas FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, post-credit scenes and language of I Am Jonas, each answered in a sentence.
How long is I Am Jonas?
I Am Jonas runs 1 hour 22 minutes (82 minutes).
When was I Am Jonas released?
I Am Jonas was released on August 28, 2018.
Who directed I Am Jonas?
I Am Jonas was directed by Christophe Charrier.
More films by Christophe Charrier Who is in the cast of I Am Jonas?
I Am Jonas stars Félix Maritaud as Jonas (adult), Tommy Lee Baïk as Nathan and Franck Libert as policier 1997, among 23 credited actors.
Does I Am Jonas have a post-credit scene?
No. I Am Jonas has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is I Am Jonas in?
The original language of I Am Jonas is French.
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