Last Summer (2013) User Reviews

A 1 or a 10, you decide (hence my "5")

[robtyrrell-98607 · 5/10 · 11 January 2020]

Gotta admit that I see the point of reviewers who gave this a 1...and the ones who gave it a 10.

"Glacial" is a generous description for the pace of this movie. Lots of lonnnnng, "artistic" shots of leaves, raindrops, and random body parts. Probably only 10 minutes worth of actual dialogue in total.

So...you might look at this as a tedious, pointless, dragging piece of film in which literally nothing happens. Or you'll look at it as a brilliant, high-concept, beautifully-shot artistic masterpiece.

Either way, at least both of the leads are gorgeous and appear to have good chemistry.

Hard to fault, but hard to cheer for either

[ekeby · 5/10 · 19 March 2015]

Two life-long friends and lovers face their first parting when one heads off to college. That's it. Period. And we really only know that because that's what we're told. If that hadn't been spelled out for us at the beginning of the movie, we'd have no idea what was going on.

Both boys seem unrealistically pragmatic about spending one last summer together. What most kids in this situation would consider traumatic doesn't seem to phase these two. Maybe knowing each other since third grade has left them with nothing more to say. Because they don't say much, and what they do say is curiously devoid of emotional content.

So it leaves you feeling a little hollow, even though the overall artiness more or less demands that we value the content of this film. It's like, "this is art, dammit, and you WILL appreciate it!"

Well, I do and I don't. Much of the photography IS striking, but what we see mostly are scenes that might as well be stills, and most of those are in close up. The actors are so immobile I couldn't help feeling they were trying to help the DP keep the shot in focus.

I didn't hate this, but I can't say I enjoyed it. It's pretty, the boys are pretty, and, mercifully, it's only 66 minutes long, so, you know, why complain?

Well, because it doesn't add up to much.

two different films ?

[ksf-2 · 6/10 · 18 October 2022]

I felt like there were two different films going on here; one subplot was the relationship between the two graduating kids, enjoying what may be their last summer together, while mapping out what might also be their futures. Lots of discussion of jonah going off to school, while that may or may not be in the cards for luke. Sweet. Cute. Minimal dialog. You can really feel the love and appreciation they have for each other. One sad moment is when jonah says "i wish you'd ask me to stay"... luke says "no, can't do it." we know why he can't, but it would have been romantic to explain why he couldn't. Or was it too obvious ? Maybe. I do respect when writers and directors give the viewer credit for understanding things. I was surprised luke didn't take that moment to explain himself. Oh, the second subplot? The long, drawn out scenes of nature, background, forests, colors, light shading. That should have been a short film (documentary ?) all by itself. I found myself fast forwarding through the long scenes where not only is there no dialog, but it's a long time before we even see a character in the film again. Written and directed by mark thiedeman. Mixed feelings on this one. I enjoyed watching the scenes with the two guys, but didn't dig the long, drawn out bumpers between the scenes. Or maybe i just have a short attention span.

Beautiful and powerful

[jm10701 · 10 December 2014]

Last Summer is about two teenage boys, Luke and Jonah, during the summer after their last year of high school in a small town in Arkansas. They have been best friends since they were toddlers and lovers for an unspecified amount of time - presumably since puberty made it possible. Their families and everybody they know knows about and supports their relationship.

Jonah is a gifted student, artist and musician, while Luke isn't good at anything except sports, so they complement and help each other. They will be parting for the first time in their lives at the end of the summer, when Jonah goes north for college and Luke stays.

This is a blissful, idyllic fantasy that feels completely true. If I didn't know that boys like these would NEVER receive such support in such a town (they even sit together in church), I would believe it was a true story, even a documentary. Although rationally I know it's impossible, it's so real and true emotionally that what ends up being impossible is NOT believing in it.

Nothing much happens in this movie. There's some voice-over narration and some dialog, but it's primarily a sensual movie, a series of exquisitely beautiful visual and aural images that are impossible to describe adequately. Images of nature, of the boys in extreme closeup, many abstract images that are unidentifiable but powerfully evocative of the quiet, sensual, languid world in which the boys live. The score - when there is a score - is lyrical piano music by Beethoven and Schumann.

Last Summer is like a poem - about love, about beauty, about peace, about perfect harmony with the natural world. It's extraordinary and indescribable.

I never recommend that straight people watch gay movies, because if a gay movie is acceptable to straights it's by definition a failure. But this movie is so beautiful that I'm breaking that rule. Whoever you are, your life will be enriched if you see it.

Cute

[sexybodymtl · 6/10 · 15 December 2019]

Cute gay teens life No big drama. Only life Long moment without any speaking Lots of beautiful images A bit boring

It had potential

[nickolassusantaschieber · 2/10 · 31 August 2018]

The story and the characters were all very cohesive and well written. The plot was pretty solid, and the themes were noticeable.

However, all this said, the execution is a whole other story. While I understand the cinematography was trying to set a tone of despair and depression, it was rather boring and dragged on for too long. Many of the shots were utterly pointless and a waste of time. The acting was fine, but not really convincing.

The way it was edited and shot, made it seem like there was only 1 camera. The editing itself had its problems too, with cuts between people in conversations abrupt and ametuer-ish.

Also the movie has TONS OF EXPOSITION DUMPS through his voice overs. While voice overs done right are awesome, they can also fail spectacularly which is what happened here.

Honestly I don't understand how this movie has so many good reviews, no one in their right mind would give it above 4 stars.

Not the worst movie I've ever seen, but pretty damn atrocious.

DON'T WATCH THIS MOVIE

Like Watching Wallpaper Peel

[BILLYBOY-10 · 3/10 · 5 March 2018]

Be very sure you are aware this is not first and formost as story about two teen gay guys with a bit of typical angst and one of them is going off to college and the other is staying behind in Nowheresville. Its about pretty scenes like rain drops on plants, spider webs, beucolic pastures with a cow, long (too long) shots of car parts, trees, nature, etc., you get the message. It's beautifuly shot images are beautifully shot as far as images go but the actual story drags and goes essentially nowhere and then ends. I was disappointed. I see it was written, directed and edited by the same person, so a pictorial ego trip.

"Things Don't Last"

[Suradit · 10/10 · 28 March 2015]

A beautiful, evocative, complex movie. Possibly to have the full emotional impact on the viewer, it must find resonance in the store of memories of the viewer. I cannot say whether someone who grew up in an urban setting or in a different culture would be as affected, but there should be some degree of universality to the experience of bonding to another in childhood and facing the prospect of separation and the imperative to follow separate paths.

The young actors who play Jonah and Luke do a superb job and the few supporting cast are good, but the greatest superlatives go to the director, the writer and especially the cinematographer. The visual presentation with accompanying sounds, is almost overwhelming in quantity and effect. The surrounding woods and greenery, rain falling, polished wood floors and furniture, weathered wood out buildings , church bells, chiming clocks, a passing freight train and the sad sound of its horn, wind chimes, metal surfaces, the boys together, all stir memories either real or imagined. Its nuanced subtlety is far more powerful than would have been achieved through a series of more deliberate actions and excess dialogue. Rob Reiner's "Stand By Me" was a wonderful film that stirred memories of childhood and the coming to terms with inevitable change, but it pales in emotional impact compared to "Last Summer."

Luke carries the label of "slow learner" and is repeating some classes in high school in order to be done with school, but has no idea what he will do next. Outwardly he is at peace with himself, is resigned to Jonah leaving for college, prefers remaining in "the shade of his own backyard," but beneath the surface he is deeply saddened at the prospect of separating from Jonah. At one time he tells Jonah he only wants to be with him and suggests the optimistic possibility that Jonah could return one day. "This place isn't going anywhere. I'm not going anywhere." But inwardly he knows full well that Jonah will meet new people who will love him and will never return. Jonah asks Luke several times to tell him not to go, but Luke refuses. Luke tells a teacher that Jonah is too good for all this … recognizing that "Some people feel so comfortable in one place, and others feel trapped." His love for Jonah and a mature understanding of their different natures and abilities prevents him from asking Jonah not to go. Jonah is equally conflicted by his love for Luke, his sense of happiness (when he learns he was adopted) that he was never meant to be in this place, his fear of change and his need to escape from the small town trap where he feels unrelated to everyone and to everything about him, aside from Luke.

A wonderful film that is sure to stir memories and emotions for many … and I suppose fall flat for those with entirely different experiences or those who disdain sentiment. Certainly anyone who feels a good movie must have car chases, special effects and zombies will be disappointed.

I was going to give it a 9 since a 10 would imply perfection, but even after a second viewing I could think of nothing that would justify the loss of a perfect rating.

Hipsters gone wild

[ferarno · 4/10 · 23 April 2015]

The theme was interesting and somewhat different (e.g. no coming out, no hating families nor any drama related to coming out, nor any sudden death).

Yet, it could have been so much more. Instead we get images, beautiful images, but no real grasp. If it were a short, of about 30 minutes, it would have been great. However, 1h and 13 minutes is nothing else than hipsters gone wild.

The best scene was when Jonah, the alleged genius, makes his mom cry. Very real, and touching. The last 5 minutes showed peace of mind from the main actor, and a resolution. There was a clear end, and it was well done.

Nearly a silent film, take in the visuals and light script together and enjoy this artful reflection of young romance

[dqueek · 8/10 · 10 February 2015]

"The truth is, I idolize him."

Welcome to Arkansas, where it's hot and you want to nap... a lot.

Emotionally accurate narration accompanies fanciful camera-work and the blissfully quaint lives of Luke and Jonah who have grown up together, developed a symbiotic and romantic relationship, and are facing a looming hurdle as Jonah prepares to leave for college and a seemingly more exciting existence than the dronings on of their rural Arkansas hometown.. but what of Luke?

Jonah idolizes Luke, while Luke claims Jonah is good at everything - expressing shared authentic admiration. Luke and Jonah battle their burgeoning feelings toward each other whilst coming to terms with Jonah's eventual departure.

The script, on its own, could barely fill a short essay yet adds a clash of diary- esque poetry to the film's reflective visuals.

The visuals mirror the complex emotions shared between the leading roles in an impressionist fashion. Picturesque views, extreme closeups, and an emphasis on capturing faint, easily missed yet charming moments of every day interaction are emphasized for effect.

Not your typical, abrasively expressive gay-themed film.. This is a still, whispering romance of a gentle kind. Deep stares, hand touching, shared nature walks, and napping embraces dominate screen time.

The film takes on a slow pace, yet remains on plot while oozing a simple yet heartfelt charm.

A really slow movie..

[Irishchatter · 4/10 · 15 August 2015]

To be honest with you, I thought the film was really boring to follow through.

However the relationship between the boys would give you a really warm fuzzy feeling!

The actors were spot on but it's just the storyline wasn't really that interesting nor the best really. By the way the film poster looked, it would probably be like an exciting romance film. It was a little disappointing by the fact it can trick you!

I can't say anything more really because there wasn't much action going on so it would be pointless to say much of the film!

Not worth the time!

[douglasnelsondn · 1/10 · 14 July 2018]

The movie started out slow with a horrible score through the entire movie. Not much dialogue and it was difficult to get the writers message of what the movie was about. Very slow. I can't believe I sat and wasted the time waiting for it to get good.

Don't waste your time watching it!

They should have call this Bird Chipping and Bad Piano

[rodolphefleury-182-126991 · 1/10 · 16 September 2018]

Don't get me wrong, I usually enjoy slow contemplating movies, I'm a big fan of Gus Van Sant's Gerry and Last Days, the work of Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Hou Hsiao-hsien and Tsai Ming Liang, but all those authors have something to say and a vision of cinema ... here you just have clichéd shots of spider web, rusty things and rain falling for more than hour, boys hugging and being bored, you wonder why they actually love each other ... they don't have sex, they're just semi catatonic, bored and melancholic, they just lie there or walk and talk about uninteresting things, you keep hearing that one of them is too clever for this town, after a while you get the message. The first time I watched it I kept dozing off, I practically slept through the entire film, that's how boring it was, I could hear people mumbling banalities that pass as profound and poetic dialogues, bird chipping and rain falling ... then I watched it again ... and it was really as tedious as watching paint dry ... the pictures are pretty-ish but nothing great either ... the soundtrack is awful too ... like hearing a student rehearsing piano themes from TV movies ... so this film is good if you want to have a nap but that's about it ...

Poetry

[larapha · 10/10 · 14 October 2015]

Poesy or pure boredom? I confess that, by the middle of the film, I was in doubt. It's certainly an experimental film, far away from Hollywood or even most European movies.Far from anything, as long as my experience in watching films is concerned. Maybe Andy Warhol is something near, or some eastern movies. But yet so simple it may make us cry. Why is the American experience so harsh? Why there comes a moment when separation, for those 'lucky' ones that enter college, comes as inevitable as the moment of coming of age? Two kids, happy together and boyfriends since they were four, are seen this moment approaches. One copes well with mathematics and college requirements. The other can't solve simple algebra problems. We know he could enter through the door of physical abilities, but he doesn't want. He can also easily understand musical notes, as we see in his ability to play poignant, sad music. By the way, all is very sad in the movie. 'Don't you want me to go? Say it, and I won't go'. But he won't say it. The experience of someone is a particular one, one shouldn't deny the person the chance to try. Or so does America thinks. All I can say is, had I had a love like this, I would have already entered Eden. I wouldn't leave it. Certainly a movie I'll see again. Poetry, pure poetry.

Unrealistic overly emotional

[lennybuttz · 3/10 · 26 August 2016]

OMG what a sad depressing desperate movie. This reminds me of the gay stories written for teens by straight women who don't have a clue what really happens in a gay relationship. There's hardly any dialogue, the camera looks longingly at inanimate objects trying to create a sense of total disrepair and loneliness. There really aren't any fun times or happy times. I can't imagine anyone who would want to be in such a depressing relationship. It's a good thing it ended when it did your these 2 boys probably would have made a Romeo and Juliet suicide pack so they could always be together.

Women will probably eat this crap up but gay men who have had real and meaningful relationships won't recognize these characters.

The movie doesn't really fit the description, I didn't see anything about church and bicycles or baseball. These boys never did anything fun. Mostly they just laid around in a severe case of depression.

An intensely gorgeous film...

[michaelmouse1 · 10/10 · 1 January 2015]

Mark Thiedeman's stunning movie is a breathtaking work of art. This moody, nuanced film is something quite special to experience. Far from the madding crowd of commercial 'Gay' themed movies, this sumptuously photographed and delicately under-written work indicates clearly this Director is one to watch. It is essentially a love story that portrays the two lead character's relationship in a filmic essay of great beauty.Thiedeman's structural choices in setting up scenes is reminiscent of perhaps a more European sensibility than the more common obvious American Studio system's insistence on the dumbing down of everything. Here we definitely have a case of 'less is more'...the camera tells much of the story. And with great beauty. Like a fine wine, this movie is one to savor and relish. A comparison to James Bolton's 2008 "Dream Boy" could be made, but that would be unfair to both Directors, as each is unique in style. But if you enjoyed 'Dream Boy' you are likely to absolutely love this film. The two extremely handsome leads beautifully interpret the script and provide the viewer with intelligent and mature performances. If you need fast paced action or voluminous amounts of dialogue to tell you a story, this film is not necessarily for you. It gently meanders, but always meaningfully and with an end-point in mind. Distributors of exceptional films need to sit up and take notice- It's criminal this one didn't get a major cinema release. It's every bit as marketable as any 'Brokeback Mountain'. Stunning!

Maybe worst movie ever

[phrgn · 1/10 · 26 February 2021]

There is a scene in the movie of a spider spinning a web. This about sums the movie up. That scene is the most exciting thing that happens in this movie. Painful

Slow pace

[peridotj · 3/10 · 23 July 2020]

The pace of the movie was so slow, you just wanted to scream get on with it. Shots of sky and landscape that last to long and was distracting. Very hard not to fast forward through this film

Slow

[catherinesa-65869 · 4/10 · 30 May 2020]

The pacing of this movie was not good and half of the scenes seemed pointless. The voice over exposition was just boring as was the score throughout the film. This movie would have had potential if it was a short film, which it seems it was but added filler to make it feature length. The editing was rather odd and choppy. It was average, no more than a 4.

A study in light, colour, texture, and mood.

[benc7ca · 9/10 · 22 August 2020]

More a moving painting than a film. It's a study in light, texture, colour and mood. I confess I couldn't stop watching because every shot was so...beautiful. A haunting, melancholy film and nearly perfect.

It might be a person's cup of tea but that person isn't me

[miguelmora-12496 · 5/10 · 28 March 2022]

This is an overly cinematic movie with very little dialogue. I've seen other reviews describe it as a visual poem and they might be right but i guess it just wasn't for me. I can see someone who has gone through the experience of having to let go of a lover because they're going to different places enjoy this or maybe someone who really likes small details and beautiful shots.

What I do wanna highlight is the nature of their relationship. It is very peculiar in that words aren't really needed most of the time. Maybe it is because of all the time they've been together but they seem to understand each other and just enjoy each other's company. There's a lot of intimacy but I wouldn't say it's overly romantic.

Overall if you're looking for a slow artistic movie with a lot of focus on details and nature this one might be for you but if you're looking for a movie with drama and/or a more developed storyline I wouldn't really recommend this one.

A visual poem

[cekadah · 9/10 · 6 December 2015]

Director/writer Mark Thiedeman has created a visual poetic look into the friendship, compassion, and love of friendship between two teenage males at that point in life when the foundation of their past life must give way to their individual adult path. The visuals of nature and home are warm and lazy just like a hot summer demands.

Here in this setting Jonah and Luke, friends sense early childhood, give to each other the affectionate expression of companionship their friendship has developed into. They are each others comfort at this pivotal and often confusing time in life. Jonah must move on as his intellect and spirit demands it. Luke does not have this drive, this need for experience beyond the life they both know. Where Jonah is intellectually developed he is fearful of whats next but he must go. Luke is more emotionally developed because he knows Jonah better than Jonah knows himself and he must let Jonah go or it will ruin their friendship. If you love someone let them go!

I must say I do not believe this is a story of two gay males living as openly gay in a southern town. I can see how many others come to that easy conclusion. We see suggestion of love through their affection and need to be together. We never see them together beyond cuddling! As the photography shows nature growing and existing in this summer setting we are also given two boys living in nature and each is open to the natural need of humans to seek companionship and experience this new emotional want. Neither passes judgement on the other. Society bars this type of friendship with unfortunate labels but here Mark Thiedemann has created a poem, a fantasy, a dream of not necessarily what is but a celebration of what can be in real life.

Certainly a unique film that will appeal to those who are given to poetry and symbolism in life!

Beautiful and hypnotic

[JackTy8655 · 8/10 · 11 July 2015]

This is an unusual and hypnotic short film about the relationship between two 18 year old boys in small-town Arkansas. There are few characters and very little dialogue, most of the explanations come from narration by the 2 boys, one of whom is about to leave for college. There is no angst about sexuality, or bullying from other kids. When a teacher asks how long they have been together, Luke simply replies "Forever. We've known each other since we were 4". These are two 'old souls' with a profound, calm and absolute love for each other.

The film is primarily narrated by Luke, who describes himself as a slow learner. He is devoted to the brighter Jonah, and superficially sanguine about his inevitable departure for college. However, in one brief scene we see Luke alone in bed, faced away from the camera, apparently crying.

In a rare piece of narration by Jonah he tells us how he idolises his boyfriend, "I think he's perfect, I would give up everything for him". He describes how some people feel comfortable in one place, while others feel trapped. Superficially this backs up Luke's belief that Jonah will move on to a better life, and outgrow him. But I wonder if the gifted Jonah isn't actually making an oblique reference to a person, and not a place. He tells us, "The grass is always greener, but not for everyone". Is he describing his relationship, and how he could never abandon Luke?

The ending is ambiguous, leaving you to imagine your own conclusion. But I think Jonah has already told us what he will do.

Seventh Time

[earl-rose · 8/10 · 5 September 2020]

Or maybe the tenth. I have watched this movie over and over. It is the teen idyll that I did not have as a gay boy. The two young men are perfect for their place in a small town. There is even a train going through. The pace is languid. It is summer. They spend lots of time together. It is very nice. Each time I see a new element or if not, just rest in the sweet times I am watching and feeling.

Simply Being Human and Sharing Love in its Purest Form is Holy.

[coolearthfeet · 10/10 · 11 November 2021]

This film is a most nourishing Human Experience and in many aspects a truly Spiritual one as well. The characters are allowed the time to demonstrate life at its own pace which is a requirement in the development any truly meaningful relationship that will stay with you and positively impact you for the rest of your life whether or not the relationship itself last forever. This film succeeds beyond all measure at proving that who you love, as often defined by various societies worldwide, does not really matter. It accentuates the mere life-nourishing reality that LOVE is LOVE...Period. Not once do the characters Luke and Jonah state "I Love You". They don't have to, you can feel it. It is absolutely genuine and real. This film is a Masterpiece in its contribution to a better Human Race. All labels (Race, Religion, Sex, Gender, Etc... on and on) that societies use to categorize and divide human beings are never mentioned or used in this film. The relationship is accepting at all levels and absolutely as pure as the love that radiates from a boy or girl. We should never really grow up, at least emotionally as it relates to Love.