Last Summer

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  • TV-14
  • 2013
  • 1 hr 13 min
  • 5.6  (1,102)

Last Summer is a poignant and beautifully shot coming-of-age drama that portrays the final summer of teenage-hood for four young protagonists. Directed by Mark Thiedeman, the film explores the complexities of same-sex romance, friendship, and self-discovery in a small town in Arkansas. The story commences with the arrival of Cullen Witter (Samuel Pettit) in the town from Texas, where his mother has recently passed away. Cullen, a reserved and introspective teenager, is still reeling from his mother's death and struggles to reconcile with his father's grief. He spends most of his time alone, swimming in the lake, and reading books. His solitary routine is disrupted when he meets Jameson (Sean Rose), an extroverted and charming boy who works at the local ice cream parlor. Jameson is openly gay, and his confident and carefree attitude slowly draws Cullen out of his shell. Despite their initial differences, the boys develop a deep connection over their shared love for novels and poetry.

As Cullen and Jameson's friendship unfolds, they get introduced to two other friends: Grace (Deb Lewis), a mysterious and enigmatic girl who has just returned from a summer of traveling, and Amber (Katherine Hughes), a shy and introverted girl who harbors a secret crush on Cullen. As the foursome spend more time together, their relationships become more intertwined and complicated. Cullen's growing feelings for Jameson force him to confront his sexuality and question his own identity. Grace, who seems to have her own emotional baggage, becomes a source of tension between Cullen and Jameson, and Amber's unrequited love for Cullen adds a layer of complexity to their interactions.

The movie's strength lies in its nuanced and authentic portrayal of the characters' emotions, desires, and vulnerabilities. The dialogue is sparse, and the film relies heavily on visual storytelling to convey the characters' innermost thoughts and feelings. The cinematography is stunning, with long, languid shots of the lake and the surrounding forest, which add to the dreamlike atmosphere of the film.

The acting is uniformly excellent, and the chemistry between the four lead actors is palpable. Samuel Pettit delivers a subdued and understated performance as Cullen, conveying the character's inner turmoil with subtle gestures and facial expressions. Sean Rose is a revelation as Jameson, exuding charisma and warmth in equal measure. Deb Lewis brings a mysterious and ethereal quality to Grace, and Katherine Hughes imbues Amber with a quiet strength and vulnerability.

Overall, Last Summer is a beautiful and melancholic film that captures the fleeting nature of youth and the complexities of coming-of-age. It's a film that respects its audience's intelligence and emotional intelligence, avoiding easy conclusions or pat moral lessons. Instead, it invites viewers to empathize with its characters and experience the uncertain and unpredictable journey of adolescence with them.

Last Summer is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.

Last Summer
Description
Where to Watch Last Summer
Last Summer is available to watch free on The Roku Channel Free and Tubi TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Amazon and Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent Last Summer for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2013
  • MPAA Rating
    TV-14
  • Runtime
    1 hr 13 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.6  (1,102)
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