Set in 2016 on a sprawling American military base near Chioggia, Italy, *We Are Who We Are* follows the complex lives of two troubled teenagers, Fraser Wilson and Caitlin Poythress. Fraser, a moody and artistic boy, arrives on the base with his mothers, Sarah and Maggie, both high-ranking U.S. Army colonels. Sarah has just taken command of the base, straining her already fragile relationship with Fraser, who frequently acts out due to emotional neglect. Meanwhile, Caitlin has lived on the base for years and acts as the steady patriarch of her own unconventional family, balancing her close bond with her mother, Jenny, and the mounting tensions with her conservative, fiercely patriotic father, Richard.Fraser and Caitlin soon cross paths and forge an intense, codependent friendship. As they navigate the suffocating confines of
military life, both adolescents grapple with profound questions regarding gender, identity, and sexuality. Fraser is drawn to Caitlin’s masculine presentation and effortless confidence, while Caitlin explores her own identity under the moniker "Harper," even briefly passing as a boy to experience the world outside military surveillance. Their bond deepens into a fierce intimacy, complicating their relationships with their peers and families alike.Surrounding the teenagers is a vibrant ensemble of military personnel and local civilians. Caitlin’s older brother, Danny, struggles with his own military ambitions and romantic feelings for a fellow soldier, while Sarah faces immense political pressure managing the base ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. The underlying anxieties of American imperialism and displacement permeate the idyllic Italian backdrop.The emotional climax of the series unfolds during a chaotic night in Venice, where the teens attend a massive underground rave. Under the influence of drugs and alcohol, boundaries blur. Fraser confesses his romantic love for Caitlin, which she gently rejects, reminding him of the unique nature of their platonic soulmate connection. The night ends in fractured exhaustion, exposing the raw vulnerability of youth.In
the aftermath, the base is struck by sudden upheaval when Sarah is relieved of her command and ordered to relocate stateside. This impending separation forces Fraser and Caitlin to confront the reality of their parting. In the poignant final moments, Fraser and Caitlin share a tearful, transformative goodbye at the base perimeter, promising to carry the memory of their summer together as they step into an uncertain future.