In the Summers Christian Review
Coming-of-age films, right? They’ve been done over and over again, from classics that make you weep to others that make you chuckle. But then there’s In the Summers, a film that feels like something else, something a little deeper. Directed by Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio, this is one of those rare debuts that makes you sit up, makes you think. And it’s personal—oh, it’s personal—without being self-indulgent. The kind of film that makes you feel as though you’re peeking through a window at a life that might not be your own, but still feels familiar. It doesn’t have to spell it all out for you; it’s content to leave spaces, to trust that you’ll follow along.
Now, for a film like this, it’s not about flashy action or over-the-top drama. It’s quieter than that. It’s a film about family, relationships, and all the complexities that come with them. If you’ve ever had a hard conversation with a parent or sat in silence with someone you love because words just don’t cut it, you’ll get it. But this is more than just another coming-of-age movie. It’s a film that goes deeper, weaving themes of identity, love, and the passing of time into its fabric. And for Christian audiences, the depth it offers is something to reflect on, even if the film doesn’t wear its faith on its sleeve.
A Window Into Family Life
Let’s talk about family for a second. What does it mean to belong to a family? To care deeply for someone, even when you can’t quite find the right words? In the Summers explores that question in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. The film zeroes in on the relationship between a father and his daughters, but it’s not the kind of dynamic you see in most movies. There are no grand declarations, no epic moments of reconciliation. Instead, the love is there in the silences, in the things that go unsaid, in the way a father watches his daughters grow up while feeling, perhaps, a little left behind.
For Christian audiences, this quiet portrayal of family might stir something deeper. It reminds me of how often the Bible speaks to the small things, the quiet ways in which love is expressed. Think about the patience of a parent, the way a father provides without seeking recognition, the quiet sacrifices made day in and day out. The film is filled with these moments, and while it doesn’t explicitly reference God or faith, the themes of love, sacrifice, and enduring connection are there for those who look.
The Beauty of Simplicity
There’s a kind of beauty in simplicity, isn’t there? In the Summers doesn’t try to do too much, and that’s exactly why it works. The film runs just 90 minutes, but it doesn’t waste a second. Each frame feels deliberate, each conversation (or lack thereof) loaded with meaning. It’s a film that makes you lean in, that rewards your attention with small but powerful emotional payoffs. And it doesn’t resort to tricks or gimmicks to keep you engaged.
Take the decision to shoot in a 1.66-to-1 aspect ratio, for instance. It’s an interesting choice, one that feels like flipping through an old family album—snapshots of life, fleeting and yet somehow eternal. And the Spanish dialogue, left without subtitles, adds to the authenticity of the experience. It’s as if Samudio is saying, “Trust me, you don’t need everything spelled out.” And she’s right. You don’t need to know every word to understand what’s happening. That’s life, isn’t it? We don’t always have the perfect explanation for the things that matter most.
Time Moves Slowly, Until It Doesn’t
Time is strange. It moves slowly, and then all of a sudden, it’s gone. In the Summers captures that feeling perfectly. The film isn’t in a hurry, but there’s an underlying current of change that you can feel from the beginning. The father watches his daughters with a mixture of pride and sadness, knowing that they’re growing up, slipping out of his grasp. It’s bittersweet in the way that only real life can be.
This portrayal of time, and the inevitable change that comes with it, might strike a chord with Christian viewers. We know, after all, that life is fleeting. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” That truth permeates In the Summers. The film doesn’t wallow in regret or nostalgia, but it acknowledges that time moves forward, and with it, our relationships change, our roles in life evolve. It’s a film that understands the weight of time, and how, as Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything.”
Cultural Identity and Universality
What makes In the Summers particularly striking is its blend of the specific and the universal. The story is set within a specific cultural context—Samudio’s own background—and much of the dialogue is in Spanish. But while the film is deeply rooted in its cultural identity, the themes it explores are universal. Who hasn’t felt the push and pull of family? The longing to hold onto something, even as it slips away?
For those of us in the Christian community, this intersection of cultural identity and universality is particularly meaningful. Our faith transcends culture, but it is also deeply embedded in the ways we live, the traditions we uphold, the stories we pass down. Watching In the Summers, I was reminded of how faith itself is woven into the everyday details of life, how God’s presence can be felt in the most ordinary moments. The film doesn’t preach, but it invites you to see the sacred in the mundane.
A Film That Trusts Its Audience
Perhaps the most refreshing thing about In the Summers is the way it trusts its audience. It doesn’t try to spoon-feed you, doesn’t over-explain. There’s no dramatic climax, no tearful speeches that wrap everything up in a neat little bow. Life isn’t like that, and neither is this film. It’s a story that unfolds quietly, trusting you to pick up on the nuances, to sit with the silences, and to draw your own conclusions.
In a world where so much media is loud, fast, and full of spectacle, In the Summers offers something different. It’s contemplative, reflective, and deeply human. For Christian viewers, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the ways God works in our lives through the quiet moments, through the relationships that shape us, through the passage of time.
Final Thoughts
In the Summers is the kind of film that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s not flashy or loud, but it doesn’t need to be. There’s a quiet power in its simplicity, in the way it captures the small moments that make up our lives. For Christian audiences, the film offers plenty to reflect on, even though it doesn’t explicitly engage with faith. It’s a film about family, love, identity, and time—all things that resonate deeply with a Christian worldview.
Rating: 8/10. It’s a tender, beautifully crafted film that encourages reflection, and while it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to sit with it will find much to appreciate.
