
Interestingly, the novel Bonjour Tristesse falters in its narrative structure and character development, aspects typically mastered by authors. This difficulty may be due to the unique nature of the book itself. At just 18 years old when it was published, Sagan skillfully depicted the destructive and self-centered apathy of a teenager who saw people as disposable playthings. The character Cecile, portrayed by Lily McInerny in this adaptation, embodies the existential malaise of her era.
Cecile neglects to prepare for her philosophy exams, yet she encapsulates the disillusionment of her time. Her father, Raymond (Claes Bang), has been moving from one lover to another since his wife’s passing, and he finds himself in an uncomfortable situation with two women at their summer retreat. He is involved in a casual but passionate relationship with Elsa (Nailia Harzoune), when Anne (Chloë Sevigny) enters their lives. Anne was not only Raymond’s late wife’s closest friend, but also a renowned fashion designer.