One father’s attempts at connection with his estranged daughters is at the heart of the melancholy film “In the Summers,” from writer / director Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio. This look at a fragmented family is told over the course of four summers and gives a heartbreaking look at a relationship that will never fully heal nor live up to its potential.
The story spans years as two daughters Violeta and Eva go to New Mexico to spend time with their dad Vicente (Residente). The first summer is clouded with a discernable awkwardness that’s uncomfortable, especially as the man tries so hard. He’s a loving father, or at least he is trying to be in the best way he can muster. It’s clear he desires a relationship with his children, but this results in a lot of overcompensating and a bundle of critical mistakes along the way.
As the story progresses and the summers go by, Vicente’s behavior grows increasingly volatile and questionable, crossing the line more than it should. Summer number two includes a shocking tragedy which means summer number three results in a visit only from his youngest. Summer number four is probably the saddest one of all, seeing his two kids reach a level of maturity and understanding that makes it clear this estranged relationship will never have the opportunity to be completely mended.
Samudio’s story is highly structured and doesn’t have a natural flow, which keeps the audience at a distance. No clear answer is ever given as to why the family is broken, but there are small clues along the way that allow viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Rapper turned actor Residente gives an outstanding performance as Vicente, creating a highly complex character who is just as easy to hate as he is to love. The actor elicits compassion at every turn, even when Vicente is behaving at his very worst.
“In the Summers” can be tender at times and harsh at others, but it is deeply (and authentically) emotional. This is a film that will particularly resonate with parents and children of divorce, with its beautifully sad look at the natural evolution of a strained father / daughter relationship.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 