Watch Summer

Summer is a Dutch film that explores the themes of friendship, love, and family. The film takes place in a small town in the Netherlands over the course of the summer. The main character, Guus, is a young man who is facing a number of challenges in his life. He has just graduated from high school and is unsure of what he wants to do with his life. He also has a strained relationship with his father, who is an alcoholic and is not supportive of Guus' dreams.

Despite these challenges, Guus is determined to enjoy his summer and make the most of it before he has to make any big decisions. He spends his days hanging out with his best friend, Joran, and their group of friends. They go to parties, swim in the river, and have fun together. Guus also meets a girl named Lena, who he is immediately attracted to. However, he quickly learns that Lena has a boyfriend and decides to keep his feelings to himself.

As the summer progresses, Guus' relationship with his father continues to deteriorate. His father becomes more and more abusive, both verbally and physically. Guus is pushed to the breaking point and finally stands up to his father, telling him that he needs to change. This confrontation leads to a dramatic turn of events that affects not only Guus, but his friends and family as well.

Throughout the film, there are moments of joy and moments of sadness. The characters are all complex and multi-dimensional, with their own struggles and dreams. The performances by the actors are excellent, particularly Steef Cuijpers as Guus. He delivers a nuanced and emotional portrayal of a young man trying to find his place in the world. The chemistry between the actors is also strong, making the friendships and romances feel authentic and believable.

One of the standout aspects of the film is the cinematography. The Dutch countryside is stunningly beautiful and every shot is carefully composed to showcase its natural beauty. The use of light and color is also impressive, with warm yellows and oranges evoking the lazy, hazy days of summer. The soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of Dutch and English-language songs that capture the mood of the film perfectly.

Overall, Summer is a touching and relatable coming-of-age story that will resonate with audiences of all ages. It celebrates the joy of friendship and the beauty of the natural world, while also exploring more serious themes like addiction, abuse, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The film is a testament to the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.

Summer is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.