SUMMER OF 84 (2018)

Directed By: Francois Simard, Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell (RKSS) 
Written By: Matt Leslie & Stephen J. Smith 
Cinematography By: Jean Philipe Bernier 
Editor: Austin Andrews 
Music By: Le Matos 


Cast: Rich Sommer, Graham Verchere, Judah Lewis, Cory Gruter-Andrew, Caleb Emery, Tiera Skovbye, William McDonald, Susie Castillo, Jason Gray-Stanford, Shauna Johannesen 

 After suspecting that their police officer neighbor is a serial killer, a group of teenage friends spend their summer spying on him and gathering evidence, but as they get closer to discovering the truth, things get dangerous.

The directors of this film totally go the amblin route. Films dipped in nostalgia and wonder that have teens at the center or stars of the film that were modern yet had the feel of hater year. Usually using technology to feel fairly like fairy tales. So that they were tales of youth but also had these kids leaning more into the adult real world where there might be repercussions for mistakes. Though here taken to a much more darker and permanent level.

The filmmakers known as RKSS, films are a bit more harsh and more modestly budgeted. Their Films are more nostalgic for people reared on those Amblin films and want to keep that spirit alive. As well as those types of movies. Only so far they never take place in modern times. Always in the future or near past yet always dipped in the familiar.

This film is no different. The poster even is a little misleading like a 1980’s horror movie poster or video box art that would always look more exciting or violent then the movie actually had or showed.

While the film feel fairly familiar and predictable. It stays fun and keeps you on your toes. It does feel a little bit too long and is slow to start but don’t let that dissuade you it’s worth it. As we follow these teens on what looks like at first childhood adventures that carry a sense of danger. There is a dark cloud that hangs over the film. A fine most of sadness.

The score sometimes feels heavier then the film and at times feels misplaced yet also there to remind us of the time periods, danger and mystery. All in all it is a great strong score.

We get to know each character home life a bit other then the two leads. It would have been nice to explore that a little more. As the characters are likeable and it helps to up the stakes and care more about their fates.

The female babysitter/crush could have used More screen time. As she represents like most cases a kind of angelic myth that can be many things yet leaves the main group an all bits club. Which might feel more likely but leaves her with little to do. Except be a means to an end a crush and confidant. Luckily she never is a damsel in distress.

The film represents a loss of innocence. Where the real world and consequences come creeping in. Where there is less wonder and more knowledge and lessons learned. Like the strength and bonds of friendship.

The implied violence for the most part still manage to break your heart by leaving an everlasting nightmare, but you can never wake up because this is your reality. The death of innocence.


GRADE: B-