Films that Feel Like Summer
To me, the hallmarks of a summer film are as follows: sunshine, short sleeves, childlike wonder, road trips, summer camp, dance sequences, beaches, first love, pastels, and characters who are forever changed by the end. In many ways, the summer of one’s life is a time of self-discovery, where mistakes are common and joy is plentiful. Here are just a few films that capture this feeling on screen.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Directed by Emile Ardolino
“I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you.”
Dirty Dancing is the ultimate summer vacation movie. In the summer of 1963, Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey) meets charming dancer Johnny (Patrick Swayze) while holidaying with her family. When she volunteers to be Johnny’s partner for an upcoming performance, she becomes enamoured with both the art of dance and the man teaching her. Dirty Dancing is iconic in every sense of the word - what else do you call a film with both a song and dance move (you know the one) closely linked to it? Even if you haven’t seen it, you’ve likely heard “nobody puts Baby in a corner” at least once. Beyond that, it has inspired summer bucket lists for over 35 years. Who wouldn’t want to experience a summer romance at such a stunning resort? I'd personally love to recreate that final dance scene, although I’d probably try to keep both feet on the ground. Side note: If you loved Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, give To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar a watch. Trust me, he’s incredible.
Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
“Life is like the foam, so give yourself away like the sea.”
Of all the films listed, Y Tu Mamá También is not one to watch with your family. When 17-year-olds Julio (Gael García Bernal) and Tenoch (Diego Luna) meet the beautiful Luisa (Maribel Verdú), the three set out on a debaucherous road trip that changes the lives of everyone involved. If, like me, you loved 2024’s Challengers, Y Tu Mamá También is essential viewing - that is to say, all sides of the love triangle come together. The atmosphere and warmth of a summer in Mexico are felt throughout the film as the characters traverse dirt roads and gorgeous beaches - it would almost be enviable if it weren’t for all the drama. There are also themes of class disparities and the escapism provided by wealth and privilege, feeling all the more relevant 24 years later. Beyond the ‘spicy’ content, Y Tu Mamá También is, at its core, a story about embracing the joys of life and the people who make it so special. Life is short, so fall in love with the world, fall in love with each other, and fall in love with yourself.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton
“A real loser is somebody that’s so afraid of not winning they don’t even try.”
It takes a special kind of film to make losing feel okay. Yet another road trip movie on my list, the journey taken by the characters of Little Miss Sunshine goes much deeper than just a change of scenery. The film follows the dysfunctional, multigenerational Hoover family as they set out on a trip to California so that the youngest, Olive (Abigail Breslin), can compete in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. Though I consider Little Miss Sunshine a comfort movie, it isn’t all laughter and happiness. On the contrary, it is a film that teaches us to accept all aspects of life, from joy to grief to failure, because they are what make us human. It’s a ray of sunshine that can brighten even the darkest day, so it’s no wonder it’s called Little Miss Sunshine. It can be enjoyed year-round, but there’s a certain charm to it that undoubtedly suits the magic of summer. Plus, although all the films include a dance sequence, this one is by far my favourite. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know why.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Directed by Wes Anderson
“Even smart kids stick their fingers in electrical sockets sometimes.”
I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that when you’re a kid, summer feels much bigger. Somehow, when you’re young, that time of year seems longer, brighter, and, for lack of a better word, larger. Moonrise Kingdom perfectly captures what summer feels like as a kid. Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward), two twelve-year-olds seen as outsiders by the rest of the residents of their small New England island, meet and decide to run away together to create a place of their own. Wes Anderson’s signature style and use of colours serve as an ideal backdrop to this story of young love and the search for identity in a society that has already decided who you are. Being twelve is a scary and confusing time in life, especially when no one, including yourself, understands you. Moonrise Kingdom encapsulates this feeling while also balancing the characters’ childlike innocence, resulting in a film that feels close to a modern-day fairytale.
Theater Camp (2023)
Directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman
“Camp isn't home, but is it, kind of? Kind of it is. I think it kind of is.”
Confession time: When I think of the summers of my youth, Theater Camp is the first movie that comes to mind. I spent every summer from age 11 to 16 in a rehearsal hall, practising lines, learning dance routines, and being my nerdiest, most authentic self. I originally saw Theater Camp with my mom, after which she asked me if this was really what it was like. Yes, this is exactly what it was like. The film follows the campers and counsellors of the titular theatre camp as they navigate their first summer without their beloved founder. The filmmakers have a crystal-clear understanding of what this environment is like, as shown in the opening credits, which feature writers Molly Gordon and Ben Platt performing as children. It is absurdly funny, poking fun at theatre kids and adults while still maintaining a deep admiration for them. More than anything, it’s a film about belonging, and the strange places where that feeling can be found.
Final word from Katie
We’ve just gotten through a heat wave where I’m living, so needless to say, summer is finally here. June has been an insanely busy month for me, so I’m looking forward to indulging in more of the summer activities seen in the films above. I’ve also been listening to my summer playlist quite often, and I wanted to share it here:
Until next time…
A lot of Linklater's filmography could be slotted in this genre. Always hazy, always longing, constant yearning