Young and Beautiful (2013), directed by François Ozon, is a provocative French drama that explores adolescence, identity, and sexuality. The film follows Isabelle (Marine Vacth), a 17-year-old girl from a well-off family, as she undergoes a striking personal transformation over the course of four seasons.

After a seemingly unremarkable summer vacation, Isabelle secretly embarks on a double life as a high-end escort. Despite her youth, she approaches her secret world with a detached curiosity rather than out of necessity. As she navigates her encounters with older clients, the film delves into her emotions—or lack thereof—raising questions about control, self-exploration, and the complexities of desire.

When tragedy strikes, Isabelle’s secret is exposed, forcing her to confront her choices and their impact on her family. Through quiet, beautifully shot scenes and a haunting performance by Vacth, Young and Beautiful paints a nuanced portrait of a young woman grappling with her emerging identity and the blurred lines between innocence and experience.

Ozon’s sensitive direction avoids sensationalism, instead offering a contemplative, artful exploration of a teenager’s inner life. With its poetic storytelling, understated performances, and thought-provoking themes, Young and Beautiful is a captivating coming-of-age story that lingers long after the credits roll.