If you enjoyed Challengers or Call Me by Your Name, you’ll likely appreciate We Are Who We Are, an HBO Max original series created by Luca Guadagnino. Set on an American military base in Chioggia, Italy, the series explores the coming-of-age stories of two teens, Fraser Wilson (Jack Dylan Grazer) and Caitlin (Jordan Kristine Seamon), as they navigate their identities and personal growth.
The show, true to Guadagnino’s style, is visually stunning and delves into themes of queer identity. The character of Fraser, initially unlikable, becomes more relatable and engaging over time, an unconventional but effective storytelling choice. His complexity adds depth to the narrative, making the viewer invested in his journey of self-discovery.
One of the show’s strengths is its refusal to provide clear-cut answers. The characters are young and still evolving, so the series reflects the ambiguity of adolescence. These teens, influenced by the adults around them, gradually forge their own paths toward independence and self-understanding.
The setting—an American military base in Italy—offers a unique backdrop, and the show explores how this environment affects the characters. The tension between American patriotism and Italian national pride creates conflict both between nations and within the American group itself. Teens on the base grapple with political ideals and differing views on national identity, adding complexity to their coming-of-age struggles.
Guadagnino also delves into complex relationship dynamics, particularly regarding love, friendship, and identity. Fraser’s friendship with Caitlin provides a space where both can be their true selves, contrasting with her previous group of friends who didn’t quite understand her. The evolving relationship between Fraser and Caitlin emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance over rigid labels, focusing on love as the central theme.
The series navigates many nuanced themes with sensitivity and care, from identity and self-expression to familial dynamics. It’s visually captivating and filled with layers of character exploration that make it a standout in contemporary television.
We Are Who We Are is a brilliant exploration of youth, love, and the complexities of identity, and it deserves much more recognition than it currently receives.
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