Young & Beautiful is a French drama movie directed by François Ozon. The movie centers on Isabelle, a 17-year-old high-school girl who experiences her first sexual encounter with a German boy during a family holiday in the south of France. Upon returning home, she starts to work as a prostitute under the pseudonym "Lea."
Isabelle's decision to become a call girl is kept hidden from her family and her peers. She meets with clients in upscale hotels, and as she becomes more confident in her new profession, she starts to take control of her clients and her own life.
The movie is divided into four seasons, and each season shows how Isabelle's character changes as she gains more experience in the world of prostitution. Isabelle's behavior becomes more brazen as she takes on more clients, and she begins to experiment with different sexual kinks and fetishes.
The movie explores the themes of sexual exploration, youth, and the power dynamics of prostitution. Throughout the movie, Ozon challenges the viewer's perceptions of sexuality and morality, as Isabelle navigates a secret life that seems at odds with her privileged upbringing.
Young & Beautiful premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013 and received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and exploration of taboo subject matter.
