Young and Wild 2012
Directed by
Marialy Rivas
Made by
Sundance Selects
Plot Summary
Daniela, a vibrant 17-year-old girl living in Santiago, Chile, takes daring leaps into adulthood as she navigates her burgeoning sexuality. Defying her family’s deeply-rooted Protestant beliefs, she pens a provocative Internet blog called Joven y Alocada (Young and Wild), where she candidly explores her sexual escapades. This blog becomes her sanctuary, a space for questioning the teachings of her church while recounting experiences such as her first forays into masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex. As her online diary gains momentum, comments flood in from a mixed crowd—supporters, gossipmongers, and even propositioners seeking more than words.
The turning point arrives when Daniela is caught in a compromising situation with a fellow student, leading to her expulsion from her conservative Christian school. Initially, her mother remains silent about the incident, but soon, tragedy strikes as Daniela learns that her beloved aunt, a free-spirited woman who inspires her, is being hospitalized due to cancer. During this emotional turmoil, her aunt beseeches Daniela’s mother not to send her away for intensive missionary work.
Taking control of her life, Daniela begins working at a local Christian television station as a gopher, where she encounters colleagues Tomás and Antonia. The attraction between Daniela and Tomás ignites a passionate fire within her, leading to daydreams and attempts at seduction, even as he staunchly upholds his abstinence before marriage. Frustrated by her desires, Daniela initiates a romantic encounter with him at a party, only to be interrupted.
In a moment of candidness, she confides to Antonia her desire to be intimate not only with Tomás but also with her. This sparks the beginning of a secret affair with Antonia, which Daniela chronicles on her blog. Her parents, trusting Tomás, allow him to spend unsupervised time with Daniela. However, a turning point looms as Tomás becomes unsettled by Daniela’s wandering affections. After yielding to intimacy, Daniela finds herself torn between her love for both Antonia and Tomás, engaging in secret encounters with both.
As their relationship grows tumultuous, Antonia longs for a public acknowledgment of their love, but Daniela remains hesitant to abandon either partner. A miraculous turn of events during her family’s prayers causes her to reassess her faith and moral compass. In a surprising twist, she declares her intention to be baptized, stirring excitement within her family. Her aunt meticulously prepares for the baptismal event at a tranquil lake, reminiscent of her own experiences.
However, when Tomás stumbles upon Daniela’s blog, the revelation of her dual affairs leads to heartbreak as both he and Antonia sever ties with her. Compounding her grief, her mother chastises her for her choices, and soon after, her aunt passes away, casting a shadow of doubt on Daniela’s understanding of faith and relationships.
Following the funeral, Daniela reflects on her journey through a poignant voice-over, citing Paul the Apostle, and declares that she has not forsaken the innocent beliefs of her childhood, leaving the audience to ponder the complexities of love, faith, and self-discovery she has encountered along the way.
Timeline
Daniela's Digital Sanctuary
Daniela, a 17-year-old living in Santiago, begins her journey into adulthood by creating a blog titled *Joven y Alocada* (*Young and Wild*). This online platform allows her to explore and express her burgeoning sexuality while questioning the strict Protestant beliefs instilled by her family.
The Blog Gains Attention
As Daniela shares her personal experiences on her blog, it rapidly gains popularity, drawing a diverse audience. Supporters cheer her on while gossipmongers speculate, and some even propose more than just a discussion about her escapades.
Caught in a Compromising Situation
The turning point in Daniela's life occurs when she is discovered in a compromising situation with a fellow student at her Christian school. This incident leads to her expulsion, shaking her confidence and challenging her family's traditional beliefs.
Aunt's Hospitalization
In the midst of her turmoil, Daniela’s world is further rocked by news of her beloved aunt being hospitalized due to cancer. Her aunt's free spirit has always inspired Daniela, and this tragic situation weighs heavily on her heart.
The Job at the Television Station
Taking the reins of her life, Daniela secures a job at a local Christian television station as a gopher. This new environment introduces her to Tomás and Antonia, who become significant figures in her evolving narrative.
Attraction to Tomás
Daniela feels an undeniable attraction towards Tomás, igniting a passionate fire within her. This desire leads her to dream of him and attempt seductive advances, even as Tomás maintains his commitment to abstinence until marriage.
Romantic Encounter Interrupted
During a party, Daniela attempts to initiate a romantic encounter with Tomás but is unfortunately interrupted. This moment underscores the tension between her desires and the restrictions imposed by their beliefs.
Confession to Antonia
In a moment of openness, Daniela confides in Antonia about her longing for intimacy with both her and Tomás. This confession leads to the beginning of a secret affair with Antonia, which she meticulously documents on her blog.
The Complicated Love Triad
As tensions rise in Daniela's life, she finds herself torn between Tomás and Antonia. Their secret encounters grow more tumultuous, with both partners seeking a different kind of acknowledgment of their love.
A Moment of Clarity
In a surprising turn of events during a family prayer, Daniela experiences a moment of clarity that compels her to reassess her faith and morality. This spiritual awakening prompts her to declare her intention to be baptized.
Baptism Preparations
Daniela's aunt prepares for her baptism at a serene lake, echoing her own experiences as a young believer. The event stirs excitement within the family, representing a hopeful turning point for Daniela.
Blog Revelation Leads to Heartbreak
Tragedy strikes when Tomás discovers Daniela's blog and the truth about her double life. This revelation leads to heartbreak as both he and Antonia end their relationships with her, leaving Daniela to grapple with the repercussions of her choices.
Loss of Her Aunt
Soon after the fallout from the blog, Daniela faces profound grief as her aunt passes away. This loss further complicates her understanding of faith and relationships, leading her to question her life's path.
Reflection and Resolution
Post-funeral, Daniela reflects on her tumultuous journey through a poignant voice-over, referencing Paul the Apostle. She expresses that she has not abandoned the innocent beliefs of her childhood, leaving an open-ended contemplation of love, faith, and self-discovery.
Characters
Daniela
Daniela is a spirited 17-year-old girl on the cusp of adulthood, wrestling with her sexual identity and familial expectations. Her rebellious nature drives her to explore her desires openly, contrasting sharply with her conservative upbringing. Throughout her journey, Daniela experiences profound growth as she seeks to understand love, faith, and herself.
Tomás
Tomás is a charismatic character who represents the tension between faith and desire, as he upholds strong abstinence beliefs while being pursued by Daniela. His struggles with their relationship highlight the challenges young people face in balancing personal desires with traditional values. His eventual hurt reflects the repercussions of interpersonal conflicts spawned by hidden truths.
Antonia
Antonia embodies freedom and emotional complexity in Daniela's life, as she becomes the object of Daniela's affection and represents a safe space for exploration. Her longing for public acknowledgment of their relationship illustrates the desire for validation in love. Antonia's journey is intertwined with Daniela's, impacting her sense of self and belonging.
Setting
Time period
The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the current struggles and societal norms surrounding issues of faith, sexuality, and self-expression. It explores the complexities faced by young individuals in a rapidly changing world where traditional beliefs often clash with personal desires.
Location
Santiago, Chile, Christian school, local Christian television station, tranquil lake
The film is primarily set in Santiago, Chile, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and history. It contrasts the modern urban environment with the conservative values of a Christian school, illustrating the clash between tradition and emerging freedoms. A significant location also includes a local Christian television station, which represents the intersection of faith and media. The story culminates at a tranquil lake, symbolizing reflection and the serenity desired amidst turmoil.
Themes
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Love and Desire
The theme of love and desire permeates the film, as Daniela navigates her feelings for Tomás and Antonia. This duality complicates her journey towards self-discovery and acceptance of her identity, leading to both joyous and painful encounters. It highlights the struggles of young individuals exploring their sexuality against societal expectations.
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Faith and Redemption
Faith and redemption are central to Daniela's journey, with her internal conflict between her sexual liberation and upbringing. The film questions the rigidity of religious beliefs while portraying Daniela's quest for acceptance and understanding. Her eventual desire for baptism symbolizes a search for forgiveness and a fresh start amidst personal chaos.
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Self-Expression
Through writing and her blog, Daniela expresses her innermost thoughts and emotions, creating a powerful commentary on the importance of self-expression. Her blog serves as a sanctuary where she confronts her experiences and challenges societal norms, highlighting the significance of finding one's voice in the face of adversity.
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