Summering Movie Review (2022)
A coming-of-age drama about four girls navigating the space between childhood and adolescence during one pivotal summer, Summering has an interesting premise and some beautiful imagery, but it never develops into a particularly compelling story.
There are some really great films about growing up. Whether you’re talking about My Girl, Stand By Me, or Flipped, they are special. They cover a part of our lives when you are just old enough to understand that life may be more complicated than you ever thought, but your innocence shines through. And while each story is unique, there is a sweetness and relatability about them. But not all movies go that way, even with the best of intentions.
Summering is about four best friends who spend time together over the weekend before starting middle school. Taking a trek to their secret space in the woods, the girls happen upon the dead body of a man. Unsure what to do, they investigate on their own, while their mothers begin to worry about where they are.
I was disappointed in this film. I had been hoping that a movie about this precarious time in life would explore feelings or relationships at a level on which you could connect, but that didn’t happen. And even worse, it was pretty boring.
The actors are fine, although not a particular draw to the story. Lake Bell and Megan Mullally play two of the mothers, and they are enjoyable to watch, as always, but most of the focus is on the girls, and they aren’t given enough meat to work with.
There is some nice work done to define the culture of each family, however. One of the girls lives with a mother who attends church every weekend, speaks openly with her regularly, and has just been entrusted with her first phone. Another secretly tends to her spiraling mother, and another lives in a family where energy, art, and seances are the thing. These relationships feel authentic, with familiar moments of awkwardness, humor, and distance.
Visually, Summering also strikes a chord. There is a wistful quality to the lingering shots of trees, water, and other nature. It is peaceful and picturesque, reminding you that time is fleeting, and that these girls are in a transitional part of their young lives. This is by far the strongest area of this film.
The biggest problem is that the story doesn’t really go anywhere. The film meanders, never providing any answers, and you continually wait to grab onto anything in the narrative. And when it’s over, you are left frustrated that nothing ever came to fruition.
The land between childhood and adulthood is where Summering is trying to live. But while there is an understated contemplation of responsibilities vs. childhood dreams, it is never captivating or satisfying. Take a pass.
Runtime: 85 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? No
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 1.75/5 Stars
Available: Free on Tubi and PlutoTV, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
