Watch Summer Of 8
- NR
- 2016
- 1 hr 28 min
-
5.5 (1,278)
Summer of 8 is a coming-of-age film that revolves around a group of close-knit friends who reunite after their high school graduation. Directed by Ryan Schwartz, the movie features an ensemble cast led by Carter Jenkins, Michael Grant, and Matt Shively. The film opens with the eight friends - Oscar, Nick, Camila, Jessie, Christian, Alexis, Gabe, and Mason - embarking on a summer beach vacation immediately after their graduation ceremony. The group is determined to make the most out of their last summer together before they leave for college and enter into the adult world.
As they arrive at the beach destination, the friends waste no time in rekindling their close bonds and engaging in various summer activities. Whether it's beach parties, bonfires, surfing, or just hanging out and having conversations, the friends make it a point to live every moment to its fullest.
While the group dynamics are free-spirited and casual, there are hints of underlying romantic attractions between certain members. Camila and Oscar, who are childhood friends, seem to have unresolved feelings for each other, but hesitate to act on them, unsure of how to proceed. Similarly, Jessie and Nick, who have been hooking up, grapple with the idea of whether to take their relationship to the next level or keep things casual.
As the days go on, the friends navigate changing dynamics with each other and confront personal struggles that threaten to dampen their idyllic summer. Whether it's Alexis dealing with her father's illness, Mason's conflicting emotions about leaving for college, or Christian's insecurities about his masculinity, each character goes through their own journey of self-discovery and growth.
Despite the individual crises and conflicts, the friends come together to support each other, emphasizing the depth of their friendships and the importance of cherishing the time they have together.
The movie's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of young adults grappling with the complexities of growing up and discovering their identity. From the witty banter to the raw emotions, the film effectively captures the essence of summer and the feelings of nostalgia that come with leaving behind moments of joy and connection.
The performances of the ensemble cast are commendable, with each actor bringing a unique energy and depth to their characters. Carter Jenkins and Michael Grant effectively capture the easygoing charm and emotional depth of their characters, while Matt Shively's comedic timing lends levity to the film's more dramatic moments.
The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with the scenic beach backdrop lending a dreamy and ethereal quality to the story.
Overall, Summer of 8 is a heartfelt and charming film that captures the essence of youth and the bittersweet transition into adulthood. It's a poignant reminder to cherish the little moments and treasure the bonds that bind us to those we love.
Summer Of 8 is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.