Summerland (2020) Movie Review
Here’s my disclaimer: As of writing this today, Summerland is currently in my top ten favorite films this year. Could that be because in this COVID-19 hell-scape I am continually searching for anything light-hearted and hopeful and Summerland fulfilled this? Absolutely. Should that prevent you from watching this gorgeously hopeful film? No, it should not.
Okay, now that my disclaimer is finished we can get to the good stuff. Alice (Gemma Arterton) is an extremely private and prickly writer. She lives on the beach in Southern England, seemingly happy to be left alone. The only problem is that World War II is in full swing and the evacuation of London children has begun. Despite not volunteering and not really even liking children, Alice is forced to take in Frank (Lucas Bond). A reclusive writer and a child being thrown together makes for some appalling situations.
As the movie runs its course, you learn that Alice is gay and had her heart broken by Vera (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) which could explain her somewhat disagreeable disposition. Of course Frank and Alice learn from each other and when disaster strikes they inevitably find solace in each other. I won’t reveal much more of this plot because it would spoil it and it’s really better to not know.
I will say that writer and director Jessica Swale knocks it out of the park for her first feature length film. Swale is able to capture the heart of a love story and the tension of a war happening in the background. The cliffs of Southern England make for some gorgeous shots that will make you want to live by the beach.
There are marvelous performances from Arterton and Bond who carry much of the movie. The chemistry between Arterton and Bond is palpable and your heart aches for the young boy who has been ripped from his home only to land at the doorstep of someone who is ill suited to care for a child. Simultaneously, you feel for Alice who is heartbroken and has accepted a solitary life while burying herself in research and writing. The characters make the movie, but there are plenty of funny bits interspersed with the heavier material.
I honestly can’t say enough good things about Summerland. Every aspect was incredibly well done and if you’re looking for something light-hearted this is one you should watch. In this crazy world, it helps to be reminded that sometimes, on occasion, love really does conquer all.
Film or Movie: Movie
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You like period pieces, particularly WWII
2. You like LGBTQ+ stories
3. You want something lighthearted and hopeful
