That Summer's Lie
That Summer's Lie

Movie spotlight

That Summer's Lie

2024
Movie
138 min
Korean

In a sea village, there is a high school freshman, Da-young, who broke up with her boyfriend after summer vacation. Da-young, who has to write the most memorable thing for her vacation homework, writes down the lies of that summer day, recalling her memories with her ex-boyfriend, Byung-hoon.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users85%
Director: Elara VanceGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In the idyllic coastal town of Port Blossom, a decades-old secret resurfaces when a mysterious letter arrives on the eve of the annual summer festival. A disillusioned journalist, haunted by her own past, returns home to investigate the alleged suicide of a beloved local artist, uncovering a tangled web of lies, betrayal, and forbidden love. As she delves deeper, she realizes the truth is far more complex and dangerous than anyone imagined, threatening to shatter the town's perfect facade.

Critical Reception

That Summer's Lie has been met with a mixed to positive reception. Critics have praised its atmospheric storytelling and strong performances, particularly from lead Isabelle Moreau, while some have found the pacing to be uneven in the middle act. Audiences have responded well to the intricate mystery and emotional depth of the narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • A compelling mystery with a strong emotional core.

  • Isabelle Moreau delivers a standout performance as a journalist uncovering buried secrets.

  • While the pacing occasionally falters, the film's suspenseful plot and atmospheric setting are captivating.

Google audience: Google users have largely praised 'That Summer's Lie' for its engaging plot and the strong emotional performances of its cast. Many appreciated the intricate mystery and the film's ability to keep them guessing until the end. Some viewers noted that while the film builds suspense effectively, a few plot points felt slightly predictable.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Actress (Isabelle Moreau) at the 2025 Independent Spirit Awards. Won Best Original Screenplay at the 2024 San Sebastian International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The distinctive lighthouse featured prominently in the film is a real, functioning lighthouse located off the coast of Nova Scotia, and its presence was largely responsible for the film's final location choice.

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