“Now is the time to explore who you really are. Play, experiment, be colourful and messy and free.”

 

As this quote suggests, My First Summer is a pure and heartwarming coming of age drama, basking in the golden sun rays of rural Australia. One of the movie’s most stunning elements has to be it’s radiant visuals. The cinematography is simple yet captivating, highlighting stark contrasts of warm light and suffocating waters. The film feels genuine but also dream-like, allowing you to escape into the romanticized version of every day life. On top of all this, it is Katie Found’s debut as a writer-director (who I can’t wait to see more from!).

 

The movie follows Claudia, a 16 year old who has grown up in isolation from the outside world. Following her mother’s sudden suicide, Claudia stays hidden in her remote home until she meets Grace; an eccentric and colourful girl in the backdrop of the dull world. The pair find support in each other, beginning as a friendship but later blossoming as a wholesome romance. The couple share moving moments when discovering new found love, shown in forehead kisses, jewellery making and "purple promises." Their incredible chemistry pulls you into the film, and it’s honestly anything I could ever want from a story about young sapphic love.

 

Unfortunately, Claudia and Grace’s idyllic summer romance comes to a halt when the adult world closes in-- forcing them to hold on to what they can before it’s too late. Can they remain in a bubble of fragile and tender love? Or will it be burst by suspecting outsiders?

 

Although the movie deals with difficult subject matter such as suicide and grief, it remains successful in portraying these heavy themes sensitively and creatively, whilst also teaching us about human connection in a fresh breath of sugary air. There are no phones in this movie, instead Claudia is able to grow through her connection with Grace - so precious!

 

The only fault I can find in My First Summer is the short run-time of 80 minutes. Yes, it is beautiful what the movie is able to achieve in this time, however I would have liked to see more of Grace’s background and the ending which felt a little stunted, but it was satisfying enough since it resulted in myself crying hysterically. Evidently, I would recommend this movie highly to anyone pining for that special summer romance, or even just a short and (relatively) easy watch.