Really saddens me to write this review as I really wanted this series to be great. I wanted it to be amazing, especially because Italian cinema generally erases the existence of people of colour in Italy. It only uses them as background or props so I was very excited to see something different. The scenery and cinematography are beautiful, lots of vivid bright colours and scenic shots... BUT nothing really happens, I persevered and watched the whole series and there's just no drama, suspense, humour or great romance that you could care about... or just anything. The script is very wooden, the interactions don't really flow, it's as if they're cut off and the stories aren't developed enough for us. I feel sorry for the lead actress as she she should have been given better material. Her, her mother and her guy's friend are the most interesting characters but still they're not doing much. It's hard to explain, but I felt like I watched it just waiting for something of interest to happen and it just didn't. There is so much missed opportunity character development and juicy storylines, but somehow they missed it all. Like it's a very average series, some will enjoy it as it's pretty to watch, a nice time filler at best but that's it.
63 Reviews
Beautiful story but Summer's boring
frobertjulie17 June 2021
The landscape, the plot and the story are beautiful with major themes such as teenage years and the beginning of the adulthood, the absence of parenthood, choices for the future. Characters are moving but the main character, Summer, is boring and selfish. She hurts her friends, family and boyfriend without even think of consequences. She's stubborn and not funny contrary to the others.
Nevertheless, this summer story is enjoyable.
Nevertheless, this summer story is enjoyable.
Watchable
erhanipekciler23 June 2020
Good sounds
raypowell7 May 2020
Romance in beautiful scenery
flower-1258515 June 2021
I watched the first season while actually living in Italy (but the opposite site of the coast).
Lets start with the positive part. The story is set in a coastal town by the beach which pretty much lives from tourism. Most of the scenes play by the ocean, either the characters work there, walk along the beach, relax or go for a swim. The scenes are dominated by bright vibrant colors. Especially in the second season it looked like the characters were even color coordinated with their cloth to the background. The story overall had the right balance between lightness and drama. Nothing was over dramatized. The second season also plays partly in Spain.
I enjoyed all the characters. I would see this show more as "New Adults" as "Young Adult". Everyone was likeable and believable to me. My favorite character is actually Dario. In the first season things develop kind of slow. I really liked the second season up to episode 6. The show jumped right into action and was much faster paced BUT I didn't like the last 2 episodes. It was too much back and forth. Things were getting too fast and I started to wonder if the writers were running out of ideas and were just adding a ton of kissing scenes to the plot. Especially the main characters were drifting more and more into the background. Summer's relationships with people were also getting a little bit strange and all that sudden the plot involving her was all over the place. It felt like the writers couldn't make up their mind. Dario's story was much better done and I also liked that her little sister Blue got her own spotlight in Season 2. But the last two episodes really left me with an unsatisfied feeling and the cliffhanger didn't make it any better.
This being said I'm looking forward to season 3 and hopefully the writing will turn around again.
At the end it got some flaws but still a fun summer show to watch.
Lets start with the positive part. The story is set in a coastal town by the beach which pretty much lives from tourism. Most of the scenes play by the ocean, either the characters work there, walk along the beach, relax or go for a swim. The scenes are dominated by bright vibrant colors. Especially in the second season it looked like the characters were even color coordinated with their cloth to the background. The story overall had the right balance between lightness and drama. Nothing was over dramatized. The second season also plays partly in Spain.
I enjoyed all the characters. I would see this show more as "New Adults" as "Young Adult". Everyone was likeable and believable to me. My favorite character is actually Dario. In the first season things develop kind of slow. I really liked the second season up to episode 6. The show jumped right into action and was much faster paced BUT I didn't like the last 2 episodes. It was too much back and forth. Things were getting too fast and I started to wonder if the writers were running out of ideas and were just adding a ton of kissing scenes to the plot. Especially the main characters were drifting more and more into the background. Summer's relationships with people were also getting a little bit strange and all that sudden the plot involving her was all over the place. It felt like the writers couldn't make up their mind. Dario's story was much better done and I also liked that her little sister Blue got her own spotlight in Season 2. But the last two episodes really left me with an unsatisfied feeling and the cliffhanger didn't make it any better.
This being said I'm looking forward to season 3 and hopefully the writing will turn around again.
At the end it got some flaws but still a fun summer show to watch.
nice series to improve your Italian
lekicslilian30 July 2021
The storyline and the plot is not filled with twists and turns, however it's nice, and addictive. I watched this to improve my Italian skills, I'm a beginner, but I could watch it with Italian sounds and subtitles, and totally understood everyting.
Too unrealistic
juleberg3 June 2021
Let me list a couple of bad things about this first season:
-summer: she doesn't really have any character traits. I didn't got to know her at all.
-summer and her love interest: why do they fall in love? They only see each other once at a party and don't even talk properly. But suddenly they are totally in love.
-every character has a mini love story. Then, they realize that they cannot have their love interest, and they fall in love with someone else within seconds. We hardly learn anything about them except for their (mostly boring) love life -most conflicts are build up and some of them don't even make sense -no message -the english synchro is horrible (and one of the characters tries to speak German. Worst "German" I have ever heard.) -the idea that summer season is completly extraordinary - also, the show ignores the existance of autum. For them, on summer follows winter.
-summer is supposed to be 18, but she looks like 25
Some things are okay, but better spend your time with something more believable.
-summer: she doesn't really have any character traits. I didn't got to know her at all.
-summer and her love interest: why do they fall in love? They only see each other once at a party and don't even talk properly. But suddenly they are totally in love.
-every character has a mini love story. Then, they realize that they cannot have their love interest, and they fall in love with someone else within seconds. We hardly learn anything about them except for their (mostly boring) love life -most conflicts are build up and some of them don't even make sense -no message -the english synchro is horrible (and one of the characters tries to speak German. Worst "German" I have ever heard.) -the idea that summer season is completly extraordinary - also, the show ignores the existance of autum. For them, on summer follows winter.
-summer is supposed to be 18, but she looks like 25
Some things are okay, but better spend your time with something more believable.
Makes You Feel
akunnafilm8 May 2020
I never review shows. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Summertime because it makes you feel. It makes you want to pack your stuff and visit Italy for a summer. It also makes you relate to the characters regarding themes of loneliness, unrequited love, new found love, and most of all hope. I truly hope there is a Season 2 of this show. It doesn't have a traditional story structure. I was perfectly fine with that because I was invested in the characters and their journeys. Go watch it. You'll be sad when it's over.
When bikinis aren't the whole story...
Sintz4912 December 2020
I enjoyed this a lot. Each character was different and all were interesting. I don't know how each of their stories could have been more fully shared with us viewers... but it felt like "enough" and like me, the characters only knew parts of each other; so it felt more realistic than many on-the-beach Love stories.
Just so bad
umbertocastello30 April 2020
I'll start with two positive notes: the presence of a little diversity in an Italian series and the fact that it does not concern mafia or crime. That's a good start, but:
- the actors are honestly so bad, if you can't speak italian you won't notice, but if you can their acting is painfully unnatural: seems like an amateur cast;
- the plot is so basic!!!!! just so. basic. it's full of clichés, I wont get into spoilers but wow you're jabbering about some chavs falling in love in summer. wow. that's original;
- the depiction of the characters is absolutely unrealistic and their social interactions are completely unnatural.
Estate Italiana
marti_5 May 2020
Great scenery, cinematography and music. As an Italian who spent her summer in those places for years, I can confirm the whole series is a faithful representation of summertime in the Riviera. Watching it was an amazing throwback. The plot is very basic and not at all challenging for your brain but it was nice going back to the personal challenges almost all of us have been facing as teenegers.
It's not all about Summer
mriley-063552 February 2022
I really like this series and I felt like the cast selection was great. But I didn't feel the chemistry nor the passion from Summer. She seems like she has a chip on her shoulder at all times and that the world owes her so much. I don't see the chemistry between her and Ale and that's very disappointing. Blue and summer have the same type of energy and it's not really for me but the show is amazing if you can get through Summer and Blues energy. They always both seem like they're depressed and expect so much from everybody and like somebody owes them something. They take no responsibility for their own actions and that somehow a little bit points me in the other direction. But I look forward to the rest of the cast to brighten up the show as they're all amazing and have so much energy.
Season three - nonsense
cmawisa5 May 2022
It appears who ever wrote season three wanted to just wrap up the show. Nothing more. They decided to go the opposite way just for the sake of it. Ale comes out as a depressed and confused hero.
Summer seems to be an after thought tending to other people's concerns- the show is about everyone else but her in season 3
In Season 2 - there is a buildup to Ale deciding that Summy is the one for him. The show centers on how they are making it back to each other time and time again - Season 3 - What a shame. Had really hoped they would do better or at least leave us with a reasonable conclusion. Or focus on giving the main character something.
Summer seems to be an after thought tending to other people's concerns- the show is about everyone else but her in season 3
In Season 2 - there is a buildup to Ale deciding that Summy is the one for him. The show centers on how they are making it back to each other time and time again - Season 3 - What a shame. Had really hoped they would do better or at least leave us with a reasonable conclusion. Or focus on giving the main character something.
Disappointed
pdfraser-499665 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I didn"t care for the ending in season 3. Summer and Ale belonged together.. Even if she was finishing school and it was implied they would get back together. Lola was mean to Ale, almost killed him because of her ambition. Enjoyed seeing the growth in Dario. We were let down...
Intimate, immersive slice of life...
vanessa_chianese13 June 2021
I've read the bad reviews. I get it. It's slow, it's not deep and reflective, it's no Shakespearean drama, the acting isn't solid 100% of this time. But here's what you'd miss if you pass this up - a chance to slow down and remember the turbulence and mindlessness of these years. Did I mention the colors and the scenery? Simply gorgeous. You will be taken away and immersed in a world that is bright and beautiful, watching 16-19 year olds grapple with their loves, losses, emotions, life decisions. Each character is well developed and quite sympathetic, making one want to join their world. And the actors are some of the most beautiful people in the world. Someone mentioned the actors seem scared. If that's the case, it certainly adds to the feeling of being completely immersed in this world. The indecisiveness about who ones truly loves, the strength of best friends, the newness of meeting others, all in a world made up of popsicle colors, sunlight and turquoise water. The overhead drone shots showing rows of beach chairs and umbrellas of the Italian riviera are used to amazing effect.
No? Ok then - go back to your formulaic detective shows, your hospital dramas, your zombie/vampire adventures or the other violent crap you watch. Or take a break, relax and watch your younger years unfold again and reflect how you got where you are today.
No? Ok then - go back to your formulaic detective shows, your hospital dramas, your zombie/vampire adventures or the other violent crap you watch. Or take a break, relax and watch your younger years unfold again and reflect how you got where you are today.
Nothing happens
lentogiovanni30 April 2020
Slow teenage story
mmyyr11 May 2020
Boring
marakirevelou27 August 2021
back to your teenage years
GridoulovesTO1 May 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect from it but I loved it.
There is some kind of simplicity in this show that I loved and fell really realistic.
Maybe it's because I have some bittersweet feeling about my teenage years and like them grew up on a coastal town.
I also love that there is so much room for future seasons to come.
The music, the actor and the direction was great. Don't listen to those cold heart bad reviews.
And oh please, do take in consideration where it comes from. It's an Italian show, not an American one.
Godless Euro-Teens Mess Around
dansview27 June 2021
Hey, these love stories are handled delicately. I like that. There's plenty of character development and some genuinely tender moments. But heck, the values are a bit disturbing. It's as though romance is the focus of the universe. Is religion completely defunct in Italy? Doesn't anyone feel guilty anymore about hooking up?
One thing that is made abundantly clear is that often we are attracted to people who resist us first, or who seem out of reach. Meanwhile we are turned off by the needy.
Chemistry seems to stem from the push and pull of all that.
Actually, one male character mentions that he can't relate to how others casually go from lover to lover. Not that he is a conservative religious person, but he's a romantic.
I do believe our lead female character. The actress has little acting experience, yet she seems real. I feel her angst, and give her credit for conveying it convincingly.
This series has a beautiful setting, some really thoughtful dialog and adequate performances. I just wish there would be some statements about, or a character representing a focus on work, study, and self-improvement. But I do understand that it's summer, it's the new secular Europe, the people are young, and tactile pleasures are paramount.
Incidentally, in real life, are people always kissable? Don't they have bad breath or an upset stomach sometimes? Are they always ready to bed others? Don't they sometimes have stomach issues, or had a bad night's sleep prior, Every time you eat, you have a bunch of food stuck between your teeth and all over your gums, and working it's way through your intestines. But in movies, everyone is so sexy all the time.
One thing that is made abundantly clear is that often we are attracted to people who resist us first, or who seem out of reach. Meanwhile we are turned off by the needy.
Chemistry seems to stem from the push and pull of all that.
Actually, one male character mentions that he can't relate to how others casually go from lover to lover. Not that he is a conservative religious person, but he's a romantic.
I do believe our lead female character. The actress has little acting experience, yet she seems real. I feel her angst, and give her credit for conveying it convincingly.
This series has a beautiful setting, some really thoughtful dialog and adequate performances. I just wish there would be some statements about, or a character representing a focus on work, study, and self-improvement. But I do understand that it's summer, it's the new secular Europe, the people are young, and tactile pleasures are paramount.
Incidentally, in real life, are people always kissable? Don't they have bad breath or an upset stomach sometimes? Are they always ready to bed others? Don't they sometimes have stomach issues, or had a bad night's sleep prior, Every time you eat, you have a bunch of food stuck between your teeth and all over your gums, and working it's way through your intestines. But in movies, everyone is so sexy all the time.
Criminally bad written
milkodebilko10 May 2020
Netflix's new show "Summertime" is a big disappointment on so many levels. While watching, the only uncertainty was which of the segments (acting, directing and screenwriting) would be the worst in the next episode. It is especially worth mentioning how catastrophically written the characters are and their mutual relations. The plot is full of holes and illogical situations that are less likely than Harry Potter. "Summertime" is particularly disappointing when it is clear that the creators had a great opportunity to discuss important ignored socio-racial issues of Italy.
One of the few things that was not catastrophic other than the beautiful beaches and natural surroundings of the small town on the Adriatic coast is the soundtrack. The combination of old Italian hits and modern pop music is very enjoyable and fits nicely into a poorly written plot.
One of the few things that was not catastrophic other than the beautiful beaches and natural surroundings of the small town on the Adriatic coast is the soundtrack. The combination of old Italian hits and modern pop music is very enjoyable and fits nicely into a poorly written plot.
I need Season 3 like ASAP, please!!
nashawnedwards-556906 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Please come back for a 3rd season!! This can't be the end of Ale and Summy!! I LOVE their chemistry!! It seeps through the screen, especially when they first got back together in Season 2. I didn't like how the writers made it seem like Summy isn't in love with Ale when it's clearly shown that she is. Build up their relationship, don't dismiss it. Nevertheless, I need more of Summy and Ale. Definitely could've did without Summy screwing Jonas. Not a good pairing and I'll never really understand Sofi and why she seems to always be mad at Summy all the time, over the littlest things. What's that about?! Anywho, I hope you take my review into consideration. Thank you.
It's a mood
mashrouf8 July 2021
I will be totally honest when I say that season 1 was a little bit boring yet there was something that made me continue watching, it's really visually appealing the art director made huge efforts to just make every frame feel like you're on vacation, summer vibes and love is in the air. It's just a mood! Season 2 the story started getting a little bit exciting as you've grew attached to the characters. Dario and Sophie's storylines are the best in my point of view.
Even though sometimes the dialogue didn't deliver (translation from Italian to English maybe the reason), I would still recommend giving it a try if you want to calm down from watching thrillers packed with plot twists. It's just breath of fresh air!
Even though sometimes the dialogue didn't deliver (translation from Italian to English maybe the reason), I would still recommend giving it a try if you want to calm down from watching thrillers packed with plot twists. It's just breath of fresh air!
pathetic
tamaramomcilovic7 July 2021
The storyline is okay, and would be very interessting if it wasnt for summer. She is impossible, bi-polar, stupid, pick me, has no personality, boring etc/
She is the biggest problem and this isnt apropriate main charachter, its juust idiotism.
Season 3 was something
ktevenswestwood3 October 2023
Summertime was one of the shows for the season during summer the show would come out and make you feel the calm and pure joy of summer. Finding love and feeling heartbreak watching it from the first I watch all the characters grow and friendships blossom and also fall for the better. So yes I did enjoy the show, so I came back to watch the show this year and I humbly disappointed when season 3 came on. I felt like it was supposed to be a cliche ale and summer find each in season 1 separate in season 2 then find each again in season 3 because they were supposed to be endgame. It seemed like they wanted to make a suspenseful ending but it was very lack luster they made a summertime from a cliche romance drama into nonsensical piece of work.
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