Windowpanes burn and sunbeams dilate. Days stretch into an endless array of haze filled chatter, sweat, and bad judgement, all blurring into a frenzy of chaotic nights plastered against the back seat of a stranger's car, the murmur of compiled chatter and red hot embers jetting off of a bonfire into the night air. These films seem to do more than just capture a season, they embody it with vigour. In varying manners they exemplify those fleeting feelings of love, loss and angst and set them against the backdrop of an endless summer for the silver screen. Bittersweet romances to nostalgic summer classics, summer cinema varies quite drastically depending on genre and year, however the best always manage to make us envious of summers past.

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I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

A campy classic within the slasher genre. Although it had a mixed critical reception at time of release, in recent years it has gained a substantial cult following, remaining a defining entry in late 90s horror. The narrative itself centers around a group of teenagers evading the sins of their past whilst trying to figure out who their mystery assailant is, a simple premise yet quite clearly held influence over horrors in years to come. As a piece currently it works as a time capsule of late 90’s Americana horror, kicking off on the 4th of July with sun bleached boardwalks and colourful parade floats, this piece is overtly summer, and uses such to advance the plot. Although not perfect in many aspects, IKWYDLS helped draw attention back towards the teen slasher genre post Scream, and although that hype died down in years following, its release acted as a stepping stone for later films such as Final Destination

MID90’S (2018)

A late addition to this list, this surprise debut by Jonah Hill is to me, is indicative of so many childhood summers and reflects that chaotic, nervewrecking yet strange confidence that comes along after the final school bell is rung and you and your classmates are released for summer break. Hill’s portrayal of budding friendships and comradery between the group feels truly natural and wholesome, from their introduction to the film's ending they act as a much needed opposition to Sunburn's homelife established within the film's cold open. In large part this is due to the casting, Na Kel Smith and Sunny Suljic give amazing raw performances and embody their characters so charmingly. Specifically huge props to Na Kel Smith whose portrayal comes across so earnest and genuine, which I credit largely to this being his first acting gig.

Addam’s Family Values (1993)

An unorthodox choice perhaps, but a perfect one nonetheless. Literal camp perfection. After the success of the first Adams Family instalment, the team decided to overtly lean further into the dark absurdity of the franchise, accentuating the dichotomy between the Adams and WASP Americana suburbia, a brilliant idea that was just begging to be explored further within the first. What I remember most from this as a child, aside from Joan Cusack’s performance, is the summer camp sequences with Wednesday Adams leading an uprising against the staff and some other campers. I remember being incredibly unnerved and panicked at the Native American pageant which quickly escalated into arson and definitely at least seven fatalities. One thing this franchise does perfectly is subvert the ordinary with dark absurdity, and doing such within an All American summer camp was again, ingenious.

Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001)

A coming of age road trip that symbolises the passage of time and transition from youth to adulthood is by description, is arguably one of my favourite premises for a film of all time. Personally this film is cemented in my mind from university, one of the first films I was required to watch for class. First year Kass was immersed with the lax storytelling and character dynamics, and was surprised that this film was on the syllabus (if only I knew the future horrors I had to watch for class). The dynamic between Luisa and the two boys still remains somewhat frustrating, but then again I implore you to think of a summer romance in your older teen years that wasn't complicated and a little rage inducing. Regardless, her presence acts both as a catalyst for change as well as a mirror for the boys, reflecting both Julio and Tenoch’s insecurities and fears.

Midsommar (2019)

A psychedelic horror which at the time of its release took the world by storm, in turn cementing itself as one of the most culturally relevant horrors within recent years. This was due to many factors, first and foremost no doubt due to Florence Pugh's performance as Dani; haunting, pitiful, strong yet vulnerable all at the same time. Alongside such, another big part of Midsommar's success is in my opinion the art direction, the presence of constant sunlight alongside disturbing set pieces which appear normal at first glance really acts to unnerve the viewer and create a fully realised space. It's very rare that a horror of this calibre takes place mostly outside within the summer light and heat, and instead uses these to their benefit to create a surreal uneasy environment. Its contrast between the natural world, and the Other installs a sense of existential dread early on, which is only fed and intensifies as the film progresses, ultimately leaving us with an ending after which eighty percent of us walked out the theatre thinking, ‘you know what, good for her’.

The Parent Trap (1998)

Admitting to never watching this classic will probably get you an angry mob, disgusted looks and fruit thrown at you. Which I can't honestly say is unwarranted. I digress, this film is the pinnacle of summer nostalgia, a very rare kind that isn't tainted with deep sadness like My Girl or Bridge to Terrabithia. A comfort classic. A film with such a simple concept, yet is brought to life so emphatically by the cast's energy, talent, charisma and presence on camera. As for summer films, this is another which uses the summer camp trope to further the plot, however doesn't stick around for too long and uses such as a springboard for further storytelling. From Linsay Lohan’s quirky charm, to the late great Natasha Richardson, the talent in the movie speaks for itself, and their chemistry together creates an atmosphere you just want to be a part of and joke around in. A true feel good classic summer watch.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

This is THE summer movie, everything about it bleeds long summer nights and hot sun-drenched days by the pool. From the direction, to the performances, every aspect of this world feels so picturesque, yet so effortless and natural, like this is just how summers are over there. Luca Guadagnino’s ability to storytell never ceases to amaze me, specifically in this he is able to convey and assimilate the audience into the picture perfect comfort of the Perlman household, achieving such through partial usage of mundane seemingly pointless drawn out scenes, whether it be the camera lingering on a tree swaying in the wind, or focusing in on ripples within water, there is a beauty in the mundane. There isn't a rush, or a necessary resolution, atmosphere and emotion come first.

by Kass Lahcen

Scribbled Researcher & Graphic Designer

Heatwave Cinema