The Beautiful Person 2008

Junie transfers to a new school after her mother's death

Following her mother's death, 16-year-old Junie transfers to the school where her cousin Mathias attends. She instantly attracts several classmates' attention, especially the shy Otto. The new environment begins to pull her into complicated social dynamics at school.

Italian class chaos and a silencing gesture

During Italian class, a Maria Callas recording of Lucia triggers Junie to rush out crying, leaving her belongings behind. The moment exposes her vulnerability and makes her stand out to the other students. Later that day, Nemours notices a photo of Junie taken by another student and swipes it, signaling his early control over her image.

Nemours pursues Junie and ends relationships

Seeing Junie as someone worthy of his attention, Nemours begins pursuing her, even as he sacrifices his relationships with Florence Perrin and Marie. His pursuit intensifies the imbalance of power at the school and destabilizes existing bonds. This marks a turning point in their complicated dynamic.

Nemours switches seats with Mathias during a field trip

During a field trip, Nemours switches seats with Mathias, bringing himself closer to Junie. This subtle move becomes a catalyst for rumors when Marie finds a letter left on the seat and the story begins to spread through the class.

Marie finds the letter and rumor spreads that Nemours wrote it

Marie discovers a letter left on the seat, and rumors quickly spread that Nemours wrote it. The supposed author is accused, which fuels jealousy and confusion among the students. The letter's origin becomes a focal point of suspicion and gossip.

Junie reads the letter and assumes Nemours loves someone else

Junie reads the letter and becomes very upset, convinced that Nemours is in love with another person. Her insecurity deepens, and the tension between them grows heavier. The misunderstanding drives a wedge between Junie and Nemours.

Mathias explains the true origin of the letter

Mathias tells Nemours that the letter originated from Martin and was meant to be attributed to the teacher, not Nemours. The truth unsettles Junie's trust and shifts the dynamic between the two central figures. Yet the rumor's shadow lingers over their interactions.

Otto's spy reports a misread romance

One of Otto's friends from the Russian-language class is tasked with spying on Junie after she acts cold toward Otto and sees Nemours acting tender toward her. He misreads the tenderness as a kiss and reports back to Otto. The miscommunication plants seeds of tragedy.

Otto confronts Junie about the misunderstanding

Otto confronts Junie about the supposed kiss, but she denies the accusation and the confrontation remains unresolved. The tension between them intensifies, amplifying Junie's emotional strain. The dispute foreshadows the looming tragedy.

Otto's suicide shocks the school

The next day, Otto jumps from a very high floor at the school, ending his life. His death shocks Junie and the other students, leaving a pall over the school. The tragedy marks a turning point in the emotional atmosphere of Junie's world.

Junie withdraws from school for weeks

Following Otto’s suicide, Junie stops attending school and remains away for three weeks. The prolonged absence deepens her isolation and emotional turmoil as she copes with the events around her. Her silence also shifts the group dynamics among her peers.

Nemours announces sick leave until the end of the semester

Nemours tells Mathias that he will be taking sick leave until the end of the semester. The announcement signals a withdrawal from the school setting and gives Junie space to drift away. Junie returns to the story only after this message is conveyed.

Junie and Nemours reconnect and explore love

Nemours follows Junie and she finally decides to approach him. They run around the city like children, and he takes her back to his room where she begins discussing love. He then takes her home, and they plan a date for the next day.

A date is arranged and a tense evening unfolds

They arrange a date for 5pm the following day, signaling a potential new chapter in their relationship. Nemours waits until seven and then calls Mathias, who reveals that Junie left the previous day and to forget about her. Junie has also said she never wants to see Nemours again.