Summers

In a working-class neighborhood, two young women, Penny and Robin, navigate the tumultuous summer before their senior year of high school. Penny dreams of escaping their small town, while Robin grapples with her family's financial struggles and the pressures of impending adulthood. Their friendship is tested as they confront relationship issues, explore their identities, and search for meaning in their lives amidst the backdrop of a sweltering summer.

Summers received a mixed reception from critics, with some praising its authentic portrayal of teenage life and strong performances, particularly from Jena Malone and Taryn Manning. Others found the plot to be somewhat disjointed and the themes occasionally underdeveloped. Audience reception was similarly divided, appreciating its realistic depiction of adolescence but sometimes criticizing its pacing.

• Praised for its raw and honest portrayal of suburban teenage angst.

• Taryn Manning and Jena Malone deliver compelling performances as young women on the cusp of adulthood.

• Some critics found the narrative to be somewhat unfocused, lacking a strong central drive.

Google audience: Audience feedback for Summers is limited, but where available, viewers often highlighted the film's relatable depiction of summer boredom and the pressures faced by teenagers in smaller towns. Some found the characters' struggles to be authentic, while others felt the story didn't fully capitalize on its premise.

The film was shot in and around Salt Lake City, Utah, with director James Merendino aiming to capture a specific feeling of summertime ennui in a less-glamorized setting.