A Summer in Hell
A Summer in Hell

Movie spotlight

A Summer in Hell

1984
Movie
104 min
French

An amateur detective helps a hotel owner to find her younger sister.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Pierre Granier-DeferreGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In a sleepy French village during the summer of 1939, a young woman, Louise, is drawn into a passionate and complicated love triangle. She finds herself torn between the affections of two very different men: a charismatic but troubled artist and her husband, a returning war veteran. The idyllic setting belies the intense emotional turmoil and the looming shadow of impending war.

Critical Reception

'A Summer in Hell' received a mixed to positive reception. Critics often praised its evocative atmosphere and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Nathalie Baye. However, some found the narrative a bit slow-paced and the themes somewhat predictable, while others lauded its sensitive exploration of desire and emotional conflict.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its lush cinematography and sensual atmosphere.

  • The performances of the lead actors were frequently highlighted as a strong point.

  • Some viewers found the romantic drama to be somewhat conventional.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but where available, they often point to the film's aesthetic beauty and emotional depth as its main draws, though some note a certain melodrama.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel 'La Fête de la Saint-Jean' by the acclaimed French writer Françoise Sagan.

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