For me, when I think of Summer, I think of childhood memories wrapped in the golden hues of nostalgia. It’s waking up at 7 AM, a bowl of cereal in one hand and a Foxtel remote on the other, watching Disney reruns before my parents eventually came downstairs to ruin my peace! I get this sense of nostalgia as soon as the temperature goes above 24 degrees. Suddenly, a wave of memories hit me.
As Melbourne’s weather started to warm, I thought I’d compile a collection of films (and a TV show) that are worth watching or rewatching this coming summer. Of course, if I were to include every summer-related film, we’d be here for quite a while. So here are a few of my favourites to start you off.
Troop Zero, 2019 | 1 hr 37 min
“Ground control to Major Tom!”
Bert and Bertie’s Troop Zero is an underrated, surprisingly grounded film about a group of misfit children who band together to form a scout troop in order to win a NASA space competition. The winning troop will have the opportunity to send a voice recording to outer space.
Based on Lucy Alibar’s book Christmas and Jubilee Behold the Meteor Shower, the film creatively tackles grief, love, and acceptance at a time of exploration and curiosity. Starring talents such as Viola Davis, Mckenna Grace and Allison Janey, this cute film will wrap you in a summer camp nostalgia.
Summer Strike, 2023 | 12 eps
Summer Strike is a light and sombre Netflix series following Lee Yeo-Reum, who retreats to the Korean seaside hoping to find happiness after a series of life-changing events. Tired city-dwellers going back to the countryside or seaside has lately become a rising trend for Korean dramas. However, Summer Strike is a little different. It commits to ‘strike’ against the deceptive toxic work culture and the reality of city living. Although the series still harbours a few K-drama-isms, such as the thriller/mystery storyline, it also highlights the prejudice against mental disabilities.
The show also features the cutest slow-burn couple, with a non-toxic male lead (more rare than you think!) I have ever seen. Summer Strike’s philosophy can be summed up in this lovely quote by Yeo-Reum, “happiness [is] the state of lacking nothing”.
Aftersun, 2022 | 1 hr 26 min
Charlotte Wells’ directorial debut, Aftersun, is a semi-autobiographical film born from rummaging through old vacation pictures with her father. Aftersun is a film that evokes both melancholy and apprehension, like a dormant volcano about to erupt.
The film follows Cal (Paul Mescal) and his 11-year-old daughter Sophie (Frankie Corio) on their first vacation together after his divorce from Sophie’s mother. Aftersun oscillates between Sophie’s camcorder, Sophie and Cal’s perspective, with a third perspective highlighting the disparity between Cal as a person and Cal as Sophie’s father.
Remember the golden hues of summer I was talking about earlier? Well, this film is painted in it. And don’t forget to bring tissues. You’ll need them after the gut-wrenching climax! Let’s just say, you’ll never listen to Queen’s Under Pressure the same way again.
My Life as a Courgette, 2016 | 1 hr 6 min
Rounding Off my must-see summer list, is this wonderful, stop-motion film from France. My Life as a Courgette (or Zucchini in English) is about a little boy named Courgette who, after losing his mother, is sent to an orphanage where he learns how to love and make new friends. The film’s beauty not only comes from its craftsmanship and story, but the way it is able to view the bleakness of life through the innocent eyes of a child. Just thinking about it is making me teary!
Although My Life as a Courgette doesn’t necessarily take place in summer, this coming-of-age, hang-out film will surely melt your heart.
P.S. Watch the French version first!
Summer doesn’t have to be a drag. These films (and a show) will surely refresh and remind you of the good ol’ days. Stay cool, but let your heart be warm!