Directed by Céline Sciamma, Water Lilies follows the story of Marie (played by Pauline Acquart), a 15-year-old girl who lives in a suburban area in France. Marie is introverted and unsure of herself, but she becomes fascinated with the local pool's synchronized swimming team. Marie decides to join the team, hoping to develop her own skills as a synchronized swimmer and get closer to Floriane (played by Adèle Haenel), the team's star swimmer.
As the story unfolds, we see Marie struggle with her own desires and emotions. There is a sense that her infatuation with Floriane is not entirely based on her interest in the sport, but rather on her attraction to Floriane herself. The film shows a delicate exploration of teenage sexuality, capturing both the awkwardness and the intensity of young love.
Throughout the film, Sciamma uses an observational style of filmmaking with minimal dialogue, allowing the performances of Acquart and Haenel to carry the emotional weight of the story. The cinematography captures the sultry atmosphere of a hot summer in the French suburbs, using the pool as a metaphor for the turbulent emotions of its teenage protagonists.
Water Lilies is a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a young girl's coming-of-age, exploring the complexities of teenage sexuality and the vulnerability that comes with it.