The opening moments of writer / director Nicholas Colia‘s “Griffin in Summer” certainly start with a bang, as 14-year-old Griffin Nafly (Everett Blunck) performs an incredibly adult scene from his play during the class talent show. Not only is it really funny, but it’s the perfect introduction to a character who’s wildly ambitious, a little dramatic, and completely unafraid to march to the beat of his own drum.
The film tells a simple coming-of-age story that feels fresh and different. Griffin, one of the most ambitious playwrights of his generation, is working on his masterpiece over summer break. His world is rocked to its core once he meets the handsome and intriguing twentysomething handyman Brad (Owen Teague), sending his feelings into a whirlwind of emotions that will ensure his life (and play) will never be the same.
The humor in the film relies heavily on the content of Griffin’s play and while it’s consistently funny at first, the jokes start to wear thin as the same material is revisited multiple times. Still, it’s hard not to admire the boldness of this kid’s artistic vision.
Blunck is charming and carries the lead with confidence, and the ensemble of young actors around him feels authentic and real. These kids capture the awkward, exciting, and sometimes messy energy of adolescence in a way that makes the film relatable and endearing. Melanie Lynskey as Griffin’s mom adds warmth and subtle grounding, while Teague makes Brad the perfect counterbalance of disillusion to Griffin’s theatrical idealism. Brad and Griffin’s interactions drive much of the story, offering a humorous yet thoughtful exploration of first love and youthful obsession.
“Griffin in Summer” is a surprisingly genuine portrait of a young young artist learning about love, life, and himself. It’s funny, heartfelt, original, and is a journey that many of us can relate to.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 