The Daily Stream: Luca Guadagnino Wants You To Ugly Cry While Watching ‘We Are Who We Are’ (And You Should)
By Shania Russell/July 2, 2021 7:00 am EST
The series follows introverted 14-year old Fraser (Jack Dylan Grazer) whose mothers (played by Chloe Sevingy and Alice Braga) move him to a new military base in Italy. He quickly befriends fellow army brat Caitlin (newcomer Jordan Kristine Seamón), forming the kind of magical friendship that instantly imprints on their lives. Their relationship is so potent that it ripples across the base: upsetting Caitlin’s initial friend group and encouraging the two to experiment with their identities, alienating them from family members.
The series is essential for its performances alone. You might remember Grazer as the boy that keeps showing up, having starred in It, the DCEU’s Shazam, and most recently as the scene-stealing Alberto in Luca. As Fraser, he is prickly and frustrating, but with a childish naiveté. Seamón more than holds her own with both Grazer and her on-screen father, played by Scott Mescudi (better known as Kid Cudi).
All 8 episodes are graciously directed by Guadagnino himself, who continues his streak as a generous director. He paints such a luscious portrait of Italy that you’re instantly transported out of your quarantine residence. A welcome addition is an impeccable soundtrack, often chosen by the characters themselves and featuring everything from Young M.A. to David Bowie.
Fraser has moments of utter narcissism, Harper’s decision-making skills leave much to be desired and the whole crew of teens can be needlessly selfish, but something about that is deeply satisfying. If I wasn’t bursting with joy for them, I’d be seething with jealousy.
Honestly, I probably have plenty of envy as-is: I didn’t have anything like We Are Who We Are growing up. Even if I would’ve been too young to understand its significance, there weren’t a ton of queer coming-of-age shows to choose from (certainly not many that embraced fluidity and the beauty of not knowing). Writers Guadignino, Paolo Giordano, and Francesca Manieri don’t project much about these characters and in fact, emphasize their uneasiness and unsureness about their identities. In the space of this show, not being able to perfectly define yourself is more than fine, it’s celebrated.
