The Adolescent

"The Adolescent" is set in the summer of 1939, portraying the coming-of-age journey of 13-year-old Marie. She travels with her parents to visit her grandparents in a quaint town near Avignon. During this stay, Marie experiences the awakening of her femininity and develops a crush on a young Jewish doctor. However, her feelings are complicated as the doctor’s affections lie with her mother, Eva, adding layers of emotional tension to the narrative. Simone Signoret plays Mamie, and Francis Huster portrays Alexandre, enriching the story with their performances.

The series delves deeply into themes of adolescence, desire, and the complex interplay of family dynamics set against the ominous backdrop of pre-World War II Europe. It explores the turbulence of youth—where innocence collides with burgeoning emotions and the harsh realities of the adult world. The love triangle highlights themes of unrequited love and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Additionally, the presence of a young Jewish doctor subtly introduces the era's sociopolitical tensions, underscoring themes of identity and belonging.

Upon its release, "The Adolescent" was praised for its sensitive portrayal of adolescence and its atmospheric period detail. Critics lauded the performances, particularly the nuanced portrayals by Signoret and Huster, which brought depth to their characters. Though not a blockbuster, the show carved a niche in pop culture as a poignant exploration of youthful longing and historical context. Over time, it has garnered a dedicated following and is often cited for its authentic narrative and emotional resonance in coming-of-age storytelling.

Main Cast of The Adolescent

Crew of The Adolescent