What Is Being 17 About?
The premise of Being 17 in 295 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet, mist‑kissed mountains of the Hautes‑Pyrénées, a small town cradles the fragile transition between adolescence and adulthood. The world feels intimate yet expansive, where the rhythm of school days, the echo of distant helicopters, and the steady hum of a local hospital blend into a backdrop of lingering summer heat and sudden rain. The film’s tone balances tender introspection with the restless energy of youth, inviting the audience to linger on quiet moments as much as on the uneasy sparks that flare when two lives converge.
At the heart of the story is Damien, a seventeen‑year‑old whose sharp mind and sensitive nature set him apart in a place that prizes conformity. He lives with his mother, Marianne, a dedicated doctor whose compassion extends beyond the clinic, and his father, Nathan, a military pilot often away on duty, whose absences leave a subtle ache in the family’s routine. Their home is suddenly opened to Thomas, a biracial teenager adopted into a farming family, whose mother, Christine, battles a serious illness. Thomas arrives weary from a long daily trek to school, carrying the weight of his mother’s frailty and the expectations of his foster parents. An early friendship with Paulo, an ex‑military family friend who teaches self‑defense, hints at the ways each character seeks control over their own uncertainties.
The invitation for Thomas to stay with Marianne and Damien creates a modest, tension‑laden household where compassion and jealousy coexist. As the boys navigate shared spaces—dinners, school corridors, the surrounding hills—their rivalry and attraction flicker beneath the surface, prompting both to confront hidden desires and unspoken fears. The film gently probes how the intimacy of a single home can become a crucible for identity, love, and the fragile hope that comes with reaching beyond familiar borders.
What Happens in Being 17?
The complete story of Being 17, from the first scene to the last, in 743 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Smart and sensitive, Damien is a seventeen-year-old student living with his mother, Marianne, a dedicated doctor. His father, Nathan, is a military pilot currently stationed abroad. Together, they enjoy a comfortable life in a serene small town nestled in the mountains of the Hautes-Pyrénées.
At school, Damien, an outsider, finds himself mercilessly picked on by Thomas, a classmate who trips him during class for no clear reason. This incident sparks a series of ongoing altercations between the two, both on the sports field and in the schoolyard, with neither being favored for sports teams. To defend himself, Damien begins taking self-defense classes from Paulo, an ex-military family friend.
Meanwhile, Thomas, the biracial adopted son of a couple who run a sheep and cattle farm, grapples with his own challenges. Every day, he endures a grueling 90-minute journey by foot and bus to reach school. When Marianne makes a house visit to treat Thomas’s mother, Christine, who suffers from a pulmonary infection, it becomes evident that family dynamics are complex. Christine, who has endured several miscarriages, is pregnant and requires hospitalization. As Thomas worries about his mother and the anticipated arrival of a biological sibling, his school performance begins to falter.
To help him, Marianne offers Thomas a place to stay with them, allowing him to visit Christine at the hospital more conveniently and focus on his studies without the exhausting commute. This arrangement occurs just as Nathan returns home for a break from his tour of duty. He receives a warm welcome from his family and extends his hospitality to Thomas, who is initially reluctant but eventually agrees under pressure from his parents.
Despite sharing a home, the relationship between Damien and Thomas remains tense. Damien harbors jealousy towards Thomas, feeling overshadowed by the attention his mother gives to him. Accusations fly as Damien suggests that Thomas is feigning illness just to receive medical attention from Marianne. Their rivalry leads them to the mountains, where a sudden downpour interrupts a confrontation, forcing them to take shelter and share a cigarette. Amidst the rain, Thomas proposes a swim at a mountain lake, and in a moment of vulnerability, strips naked, leaving Damien in awe.
Days later, Damien, emboldened by curiosity, asks Thomas to accompany him to meet a man he found online for a sexual experiment. When confronted with an advance from the man, Damien withdraws. On their return journey, Damien reveals his feelings for Thomas, stating, > “I need to know if I’m into guys or just you.” However, Thomas is taken aback by this revelation and after a heated exchange, exits the car at the riverbank, where a scuffle ensues, resulting in Thomas breaking his wrist.
As tensions escalate, Marianne realizes she must ask Thomas to return home. After several days, Thomas arrives late to Spanish class, and for the first time, exchanges a smile with Damien. Encouraged by this connection, Damien takes the leap and kisses Thomas. Initially receptive, Thomas soon pushes Damien away and hits him when followed, leading to his expulsion from school. In the aftermath, Damien confides in Marianne about the incident, and she remains sympathetic to his feelings.
Tragedy strikes when Nathan’s mission leads to his death, leaving both Marianne and Damien devastated. During the funeral, Thomas offers comfort to Damien in a heartfelt embrace. As Marianne sinks into despair, Thomas moves back in to support them both, spending time with her while Damien is at school. Their bond deepens as they collaborate on a project exploring desire. Once Marianne finds the strength to resume work, Thomas prepares to return to his farm.
One night, after a moment of intimacy, Thomas leaves before Damien wakes. Mulling over the previous events, Damien visits Thomas’s farm to discuss what happened, but Thomas remains hesitant, insisting “not here” whenever Damien attempts to kiss him. As time passes, panic stirs within Thomas when he fears he could bring ill fortune during his foster mother’s upcoming labor. Seeking solace, he knocks on Damien’s door, asking him to stay during this time.
The two accompany Marianne to the joyous arrival of a new family member. Reflecting on their changing dynamic, Marianne makes a pivotal decision to move to Lyon for a job, allowing for Thomas to visit Damien. She encourages her son to have more faith in himself and embrace life. In a heartwarming finale, Thomas eagerly descends the slope to reunite with Damien, culminating in a tender kiss that signifies hope and connection.
Being 17 Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Damien's Life in the Mountains” to “Hopeful Reunion”. 9 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Damien's Life in the Mountains
Seventeen-year-old Damien lives a comfortable life with his dedicated mother, Marianne, in a serene small town in the Hautes-Pyrénées. His father, Nathan, is away serving as a military pilot, which adds a layer of complexity to Damien's life.
Where:Hautes-Pyrénées
- 2
Bullying at School
Damien experiences relentless bullying at school from a classmate named Thomas, who trips him during class without any clear reason. This initial confrontation escalates into ongoing altercations during sports and in the schoolyard.
Where:School
- 3
Self-Defense Training
In an attempt to defend himself against the bullying, Damien decides to take self-defense classes from Paulo, an ex-military family friend. This decision marks the beginning of Damien’s journey towards empowerment and self-reliance.
- 4
Thomas's Struggles
Thomas, the biracial adopted son of a couple managing a farm, faces his own challenges, including the daily struggles of a lengthy commute to school. His complex family dynamics are further complicated by his mother's health issues.
- 5
Marianne's Involvement
Marianne visits Thomas's home to treat his mother, Christine, who suffers from a pulmonary infection. During this visit, Thomas expresses his concern about his mother's well-being as he anticipates the arrival of a new sibling.
Where:Thomas's Home
- 6
Living Arrangements Change
To help Thomas focus on his studies without the exhausting commute, Marianne offers him a place to stay. This new living arrangement occurs just as Nathan returns from his military duties, which complicates Damien's feelings of jealousy and rivalry.
Where:Damien's Home
- 7
Tension Between Damien and Thomas
Despite living together, the rivalry between Damien and Thomas persists, largely driven by Damien's jealousy of the attention Marianne gives Thomas. This tension leads to accusations and confrontations between the two boys.
- 8
The Mountain Swim
During a heated encounter, a downpour forces Damien and Thomas to seek shelter. In a moment of vulnerability, Thomas suggests swimming in a mountain lake, leading to an unexpected connection as he strips naked, leaving Damien in awe.
Where:Mountain Lake
- 9
Feelings Revealed
Damien's curiosity leads him to invite Thomas for a sexual experiment involving a man he found online. After backing out of the encounter, he confesses his feelings to Thomas, stating that he needs to know if he’s into guys or just Thomas, causing Thomas to react strongly.
- 10
Escalation and Incident
Following the revelation of Damien's feelings, a physical confrontation occurs at the riverbank, resulting in Thomas breaking his wrist. This incident dramatically escalates their already tense relationship and leads to turbulent consequences.
Where:Riverbank
Show the other 5 events of Being 17 Hide the last 5 events
- 11
School Conflict
After a series of miscommunications and altercations, Thomas is expelled from school following an encounter with Damien. This incident leaves Damien feeling conflicted and seeking solace from his mother, Marianne.
Where:School
- 12
Nathan's Death
Tragedy strikes as Nathan dies on a military mission, leaving both Marianne and Damien devastated. This loss deepens the emotional turmoil for Damien, who finds an unexpected source of comfort in Thomas during the grieving process.
Where:Funeral
- 13
Thomas's Supportive Role
Following Nathan's death, Thomas moves back in with Damien and Marianne to provide emotional support. Their bond grows as they work together on school projects, helping each other navigate their feelings of grief.
- 14
Key Decision for the Future
After some time, Marianne decides to accept a job in Lyon, which signifies a new chapter for their family. She encourages Damien to believe in himself and fosters a connection between him and Thomas despite the distance.
- 15
Hopeful Reunion
In a heartwarming finale, Thomas descends the slope to reunite with Damien after Marianne has moved. Their meeting culminates in a tender kiss, symbolizing the hope and connection they have forged through their tumultuous journey.
Where:Slope
Who Are the Main Characters in Being 17?
2 characters, among them Damien and Thomas: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- D
Damien
Damien is a sensitive and intelligent seventeen-year-old navigating the challenges of adolescence. He grapples with feelings of jealousy and insecurity, especially concerning Thomas, whom he initially sees as a rival. Throughout the film, he evolves emotionally, seeking connection and understanding.
- 🧑🎓 Student
- 😔 Insecure
- 🏋️ Self-Defense
- T
Thomas
Thomas is the biracial adopted son of a farming couple, facing his own struggles at home and school. Despite being a source of tension for Damien, he reveals his complexity as a character who deals with insecurities and family pressures. His relationship with Damien develops through shared challenges and vulnerability.
- 👦 Adopted
- 🐑 Farmer's Son
- 🤔 Complex
Where and When Is Being 17 Set?
Being 17 is set in Hautes-Pyrénées and Lyon. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The exact time period is not specified, but the movie explores contemporary themes of adolescence and personal growth in a modern setting. The characters navigate their challenges amidst the backdrop of current societal dynamics.
Where
Hautes-Pyrénées, Lyon
The story unfolds in the serene small town of Hautes-Pyrénées, known for its picturesque landscapes and mountainous terrain. This tranquil environment serves as a backdrop for the emotional turmoil between the characters. Additionally, Lyon represents a new beginning for Damien and his mother, introducing the character to urban life and opportunities.
- 🏞️ Mountains
- 🏡 Small Town
- 🌆 City
What Are the Themes of Being 17?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Rivalry, Coming of Age and Family Dynamics.
-
01
Love and Rivalry
The film delves into the complexities of love and rivalry, particularly between Damien and Thomas. Their relationship is marred by jealousy and competition, yet it evolves through shared struggles and vulnerability. Ultimately, this theme highlights the transformative power of connection amidst conflict.
-
02
Coming of Age
Both Damien and Thomas experience significant personal growth throughout the story, facing their identities and emotions. The coming-of-age theme is marked by moments of introspection, conflict, and eventual acceptance of their feelings for one another. Their journey reflects the challenges faced during adolescence.
-
03
Family Dynamics
Family relationships play a critical role in shaping the characters' experiences. The film portrays the effects of parental roles, support systems, and individual struggles within family structures. Marianne's role as a devoted mother navigating grief further complicates the familial dynamics.
What Kind of Film Is Being 17?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A raw and tender coming-of-age drama that explores the tension and vulnerability between two teenage boys as they navigate family turmoil, grief, and the confusion of first love in a serene mountainous setting.
- raw
- vulnerable
- tense
- melancholic
- introspective
- awkward
- coming of age
- gay romance
- family dynamics
- bullying
Content notes: bullying, parental death, illness of a parent.
Quiz
How well do you remember Being 17? Test yourself on the story.
