Young Solitude

Young Solitude is a poignant and observant documentary crafted by filmmaker Claire Simon. Released in 2018, the film seeks to contemplate modern teenage life through a lens of empathy and understanding. Instead of using a traditional starcast, the movie meticulously observes real-life teenagers in the course of their daily lives.

Set in the multicultural city of Ivry, near Paris, the film takes place in a high school where the filmmaker, Claire Simon, takes us into the hearts and minds of the young people studying there. Simon, who previously tackled the lives of railway workers and police officers, now peeks into adolescence, an exciting and tumultuous moment of life.

With a unique and effective approach to storytelling, the movie doesn't follow a conventional structured narrative. Instead, we are introduced to a series of young students who candidly share their views and experiences. The film focuses on group discussions between adolescents, often guided by school professionals. It showcases their interaction with educators, friends, and the world around them as they discuss their hopes, fears, relationships, and dreams for the future.

From the onset, the distinctness of Young Solitude is evident as the protagonists are not actors and the setting is not crafted. It emphasizes on the real-life experiences of the young students, giving the audience a sense of verisimilitude.

As the title suggests, Young Solitude indeed contemplates the complexities of teenage life in solitude. The young people of the film are seen negotiating their curves on the path to adulthood while carrying the weight of anxieties, self-doubts, family dynamics, social pressures and emotional stress. Through these conversations and interactions, the movie transcends the specificities of the character's situations and relates to the universal experience of growing up.

What stands out in the film is the idea that young age, billed as the most beautiful stage of life, can also harbour deep-seated solitude. As we see these individuals wrestle with their thoughts, feelings and dilemmas, we are reminded of our own routes through adolescence and the solitude that often accompanies this journey of discovery and self-awareness.

This remarkably intimate documentary incorporates various aspects of the students’ lives, from their relationships with fellow students and teachers to the challenges they face at home. It explores the wide range of experiences that encompass teenage life and the intricate dynamics between young people navigating the transition to adulthood.

Each student portrayed in the film brings their unique story, painting a rich, diverse tapestry of youth today. The vulnerability they exhibit makes the audience resonate deeply with each of them, encouraging us to reflect on our own experiences at their age.

It's worth noting that Young Solitude can provide valuable insights for educators, parents, or anyone working with young adults, acting as a stepping stone towards understanding the modern teenage psyche, the struggles they face, and their perception of the world.

The director strives to portray the participants' realities with sincerity and without judgment, which makes the film compelling and relatable. The cinematography is minimal and unobtrusive, further solidifying the documentary's dedication to reality and authenticity.

The tenderness with which Simon approaches the subject matter stands as one of the most affecting aspects of the film. There's a palpable sense of compassion and understanding evident in every scene. Simon remarkably captures the wide-ranging emotions of her subjects, making viewers feel as if they are personally sitting across from these young people, sharing their earnest confessions.

Young Solitude is a thought-provoking foray into the real world of today's youth, exploring the oftentimes confusing, captivating, and challenging journey to adulthood. It's an authentic examination of the human condition at a pivotal phase in life, and its powerful exploration of youth and solitude makes for an engrossing filmic experience.

By presenting unfiltered and genuine experiences, Young Solitude offers an intimate, visceral capture of teenage life that’s rarely portrayed with such honesty and warmth. It's a must-watch for those interested in understanding the diverse and complex world of adolescents in today's society. Claire Simon’s ‘Young Solitude’ is ultimately an ode to growing up — a tender acknowledgment of the earnestness, dreams, difficulties, and quiet solitude that earmarks the journey to adulthood.