"In the Summers" is a 2024 American drama film marking the feature directorial debut of Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio. The semi-autobiographical narrative centers on two sisters, Eva and Violeta, as they navigate the complexities of their relationship with their father, Vicente, during annual summer visits to his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The film spans several years, capturing the sisters' growth from adolescence to early adulthood and delving into themes of family dynamics, forgiveness, and personal growth.
Director's Vision:
Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio drew inspiration from her own childhood experiences visiting her father in Colombia. She aimed to create a narrative that authentically portrays the intricacies of familial relationships and the passage of time. Lacorazza's storytelling is influenced by directors such as Lucrecia Martel and Andrea Arnold, and she also drew inspiration from Dutch Vanitas paintings, emphasizing themes of life's brevity.
Themes:
Family Dynamics: The film explores the evolving relationships between the sisters and their father, highlighting both affection and tension.
Coming-of-Age: It portrays the sisters' journey from adolescence to adulthood, capturing their personal growth and self-discovery.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The narrative delves into the challenges of forgiving past mistakes and rebuilding strained relationships.
Key Success Factors:
Authentic Performances: The cast, including René Pérez as Vicente, Sasha Calle as Eva, and Lío Mehiel as Violeta, deliver compelling portrayals that bring depth to their characters.
Cinematic Storytelling: The film's visual style and narrative structure effectively convey the passage of time and the complexities of family life.
Critical Acclaim: Winning the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival has elevated the film's profile.
Short Summary:
"In the Summers" is a poignant drama that chronicles the evolving relationship between two sisters and their father over several years of summer visits, exploring themes of family, growth, and forgiveness.
Awards, and Nominations: 8 wins & 6 nominations
"In the Summers" received the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio also won the Directing Award in the same category, making her the first Latina filmmaker to receive this honor.
Critical Reception:
The film has garnered positive reviews for its poetic storytelling and authentic performances. Lovia Gyarke of The Hollywood Reporter described it as "a visual poem" that thoughtfully explores forgiveness between parent and child. Carlos Aguilar of Variety praised its focus on "the everyday vicissitudes of ordinary folk," highlighting the film's commitment to portraying genuine human experiences.
Box Office Performance:
As of now, "In the Summers" has grossed $89,015. Given its independent nature and recent release, these figures are expected to evolve as the film reaches wider audiences.
Production:
The film was produced by Alexander Dinelaris, Rob Quadrino, Nando Vila, Lynette Coll, Sergio Lira, Daniel Tantalean, and Cynthia Fernandez De La Cruz. Cinematography was handled by Alejandro Mejía, with editing by Adam Dicterow and music composed by Eduardo Cabra.
Production Companies:
The film is a collaboration between Lexicon, Bluestone Entertainment, Exile Content Studio, 1868 Studios, and Luz Films.
Distribution and Sales:
Music Box Films acquired U.S. distribution rights and planned a limited theatrical release on September 20, 2024, followed by a home video release.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24805832/
About movie: https://www.musicboxfilms.com/film/in-the-summers/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/in-the-summers (US)
Why Recommend This Movie:
Authentic Storytelling: The film offers a genuine portrayal of family dynamics and personal growth.
Strong Performances: The cast delivers compelling and nuanced performances that bring depth to the narrative.
Critical Acclaim: Its recognition at Sundance underscores its quality and impact.
Cultural Representation: The film provides a nuanced depiction of Latino family life, contributing to diverse storytelling in cinema.
Directorial Debut: Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio's first feature film marks the emergence of a promising new voice in independent cinema.
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