
Wetlands
dir. David Wnendt · 2013
Feature
Coming of Age
Mood
Comedic / Dark
Look
raw and candid, with a focus on intimate close-ups
Structure
nonlinear, with vignettes of Helen's life
Plot
Helen is a nonconformist teenage girl who maintains a conflictual relationship with her parents. Hanging out most of her time with her friend Corinna, with whom she breaks one social taboo after another, she uses sex as a way to rebel and break the conventional bourgeois ethic. After an intimate shaving accident, Helen ends up in the hospital where it doesn’t take long before she makes waves. But there she finds Robin, a male nurse who will sweep her off her feet...
Why watch
"Wetlands" is a bold exploration of teenage rebellion, where humor collides with the darker aspects of growing up. Through Helen's chaotic journey, the film challenges societal norms and celebrates the messy, often taboo nature of self-discovery.
Talking points
- the impact of parental relationships on identity
- the role of sexuality in adolescent rebellion
- the portrayal of female friendships
- the balance between humor and darkness in coming-of-age narratives
Cultural context
adolescent rebellion in contemporary societycritique of bourgeois valuesexploration of female sexualitythe complexities of parent-child relationships