Summer of 85 (2020)

Sun, Sea and Something Missing - Summer of 85 review by griggs

Summer of 85 is an enjoyable ride through teenage longing, jealousy, and grief, with a few emotional turns that caught me off guard in a good way. Ozon touches all the familiar coming-of-age beats—first love, obsession, loss—but doesn’t do much to elevate them. The story-within-a-story framing feels a bit forced and doesn’t add much beyond reminding us that things will turn tragic. The young cast are charismatic and hold the film together with charm and chemistry, even when the script feels like it’s coasting. It’s impossible not to think of Call Me by Your Name—this feels like a more accessible cousin, but one that doesn’t quite linger in the same way. All in all, it’s a solid, sometimes poignant summer tale, but Ozon seems content staying in his comfort zone.