If one can look past the production ethics (which is a massive "if"), the film touches on a raw nerve regarding human nature. It portrays children not as angels, but as creatures of pure id. Fabrizio is manipulative; Silvia is a sadist in training; Laura is the victim. The film suggests that without the societal construct of "civilization," human development is inherently violent and predatory.

The narrative centers on a triad of adolescents in an isolated, dreamlike forest setting, notably devoid of adult supervision. Letterboxd The Dynamics:

In 1977, the world was a very different place. The sexual revolution was in full swing, and attitudes towards love, sex, and relationships were rapidly changing. For adolescents growing up during this time, it was a moment of great possibility and freedom.

: Actress Eva Ionesco later revealed she was forced into the role by her mother and described the experience as "vulgar, shocking and useless".