Like "Generation," "We Are Who We Are" is a serious, energetic, moving teen show from HBO. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, of "Call Me by Your Name" fame, "We Are Who We Are" centers on two American teenagers who live on a military base in Italy. Set in 2016 but released in 2020, the series follows Fraser (Jack Dylan Grazer), a spoiled teenager and the son of Sarah (Chloë Sevigny), and the seemingly perfect Caitlin (Jordan Kristine Seamón), whose father is played by Kid Cudi. Ben Travers of IndieWire calls it less of a "coming-of-age story" and more of a "celebration-of-age story" because of the way it revels in the unique trials and tribulations of being a teenager.
Like "Yellowjackets" –- whose 1990s soundtrack is essential to grounding its time and place –- the music of "We Are Who We Are" is an essential part of the show. The series' music is composed by Dev Hynes, also known as Blood Orange, and the soundtrack is as eclectic as it is specific. The songs chosen for the show range from Prince, to Aaron Carter, to Hyne's own music, and, like in "Yellowjackets," have the effect of both grounding the setting and illustrating the perspective of the characters. If you're a fan of beautifully-shot teen dramas and expertly selected soundtracks, "We Are Who We Are" might be for you.
