Watch The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age drama series available on Amazon Prime. The show is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Jenny Han. The story follows seventeen-year-old Belly (Lola Tung) as she spends the summer with her mother and brother at a beach house in the small town of Cousins Beach. Belly has been going to Cousins Beach every summer since she was a child and is excited to be reunited with her childhood friends, Conrad (Gavin Stenhouse) and Jeremiah (Sean Teale), who she has had a crush on for as long as she can remember.

As the summer progresses, Belly is forced to confront her emotions and come to terms with the fact that things are changing between her and her friends. She also experiences a falling out with her mother, Laurel (Rachel Blanchard), who is going through her own emotional struggles. Throughout the summer, Belly learns a lot about herself, her friendships, and what it means to grow up.

The Summer I Turned Pretty tackles themes of love, loss, grief, and growing up in a realistic and nuanced way. The performances are strong, especially from the young actors who bring a lot of heart to their roles. Lola Tung shines as Belly, capturing the character's vulnerability and sense of longing. Her chemistry with Gavin Stenhouse (Conrad) and Sean Teale (Jeremiah) is palpable and adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the show.

Jackie Chung also delivers a solid performance as Susannah, a close family friend who becomes a mentor figure for Belly. Rachael Blanchard plays Laurel, Belly's mother who is struggling with her own personal demons. She gives a nuanced and emotional portrayal of a woman who is trying her best to hold her family together despite her own pain.

The cinematography in The Summer I Turned Pretty is stunning, with the ocean serving as a beautiful backdrop to the story. The show does an excellent job of bringing the setting to life, emphasizing the beauty of Cousins Beach and the magic of summer. The soundtrack is also a standout element, featuring a mix of indie and pop music that perfectly captures the mood of the show.

Overall, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a heartfelt and emotional story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the joy and pain of growing up. The show explores complex themes in a way that feels true to life, and the performances are top-notch. It is a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age dramas, and a worthy adaptation of the beloved novel.

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a series that ran for 2 seasons (15 episodes) between August 28, 2023 and on Amazon Prime