We Are Who We Are

We Are Who We Are is a captivating coming-of-age drama series brought to television screens by HBO in 2020. Helmed by the visionary director Luca Guadagnino, who held the reins of the critically acclaimed film 'Call Me by Your Name,' the eight-part miniseries is an insightful exploration of friendship, first-love, and identity, imbued with the angst, joy, and confusion of adolescence.

Set in the backdrop of a U.S. army base in Chioggia, Italy, the drama unfolds from the perspective of two 14-year-old American teenagers, Fraser Wilson and Caitlin Poythress. Fraser, played by Jack Dylan Grazer (It, Shazam), is a shy and introverted boy who moves to the base from New York with his mothers, Sarah (Chloë Sevigny) and Maggie (Alice Braga), both in the army. On the other hand, Caitlin, portrayed by newcomer Jordan Kristine Seamón, is a bold, confident girl, living with her family on base for several years.

The evocative narrative elegantly interweaves the lives of these two young individuals as they navigate through the maze of early teens and discover the nuances of their identity. For Fraser, the life in the military base is filled with an eerie loneliness, while Caitlin grapples with gender identity and family dynamics, set against the vividly etched canvas of the contemporary sociopolitical climate.

We Are Who We Are pays a remarkable tribute to the complexity and fluidity of adolescence, breaking the traditional paradigms of growing up. It isn't merely a story of teenagers coming to terms with their sexuality or familiar strife but a broader celebration of individuality and the evolution of the self. Guadagnino, in all his artful finesse, uses the poetic languor of the series to delve into universal themes such as family, friendship, love, and disillusionment.

In terms of performance, the young cast-members deliver a deeply resonant act, infusing life into their characters with their raw energy and emotive prowess. Jack Dylan Grazer and Jordan Kristine Seamón are the heart of the ensemble, bringing a mature authenticity to their portrayals that belies their years. Complementing them is an array of experienced actors including Chloë Sevigny and Alice Braga who envelope the narrative with their inimitable charisma.

Paolo Carnera’s cinematography must be singled out for its dynamic role in the storytelling. The lush visuals of Italy blend seamlessly with the stark military surroundings, crafting a beautiful contradiction that's both awe-inspiring and grounding. The exquisite camerawork coupled with Guadagnino's knack for capturing intimate moments beautifully encapsulates the bittersweet symphony of growing up, making the series an immersive experience.

Weaving together these elements is the engrossing soundtrack, a perfect blend of operatic music, indie classics, and contemporary hits making the series an aural delight. Each musical choice serves as a reflection of the characters' inner lives, adding another layer of depth to the overall narrative.

While the series makes for an engaging watch, it isn't designed to provide answers or offer a concrete resolution. Instead, it asks viewers to live and breathe alongside its characters, to understand their world, their doubts, and their hopes. It invites you to linger, to think, to empathize, and to feel – a true hallmark of Guadagnino’s directorial style.

We Are Who We Are is an exquisite portrait of adolescence, unflinching, raw, and relentlessly real. It is a must-watch for those yearning for deep, character-driven stories, challenging them to question, to understand, and to accept that we are, indeed, who we are.