A Nostalgic Nightmare Awaits

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MOVIE REVIEW
Final Summer
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 22m
Director(s): John Isberg
Writer(s): John Isberg
Cast: Thom Mathews, Bishop Stevens, Carl Bailey, Jenna Kohn, Nora Yates, Charlie Bauer, Jace Jamison, Charlee Amacher, Kimmy Schofield, Myles Valentine, Farbota Lynn
Where To Watch: on UK Digital September 18, 2023, from Miracle Media Limited

RAVING REVIEW: In John Isberg's FINAL SUMMER, past meets present in a dance of dread and delight. Transported to Camp Silverlake in 1991, you'll feel the retro pull of the 80s while the glint of the neon 90s looms large. But there's more here than just a nostalgic tug; lurking shadows threaten to rewrite the tales of summer camp we once knew. Can all of this be blended to form a cohesive scare fest?

Enter a retro story with the radiant aura of the 90s, yet not wholly free from the 80s’ charming glimmer. Lured by the promise of a summer of new beginnings at Camp Silverlake, dreams of forging friendships and perhaps a touch of romance are right around every corner. Yet, with the camp's murky past, the narrative takes a dramatic nosedive into the unexpected.

A whirlwind of diverse personalities greets us in this cinematic tale. We meet Lexi (Jenna Kohn) battling her demons while Peter (Wyatt Taber) stands at a distance, silently pining. Amidst these intense emotions, Myles Valentine's Mario serves up some chuckles, while Farbota Lynn's Ronnie keeps the tension palpable. To top off the dynamic roster, Joi Hoffsommer's Linnea Krug – the camp's magnetic owner, and Thom Mathews' enigmatic sheriff step in, guiding us through a maze of suspense and feelings.

Borrowing from the annals of iconic horror, FINAL SUMMER paints a landscape rich in memories while pushing the boundaries of modern horror. When darkness descends on Camp Silverlake, unease permeates the air. Legends whispered around campfires spring to life as a faceless figure wielding an axe emerges. The film relies so heavily on being a nostalgic homage to horror films from the past that it often needs to remember that it wants to be its own story. Isberg sculpts a rich 80s horror ambiance. Nods to familiar figures are sprinkled throughout, serving as delightful breadcrumbs for the seasoned viewer. The film has its mischievous clues, hazy dives into the past, and a cinematographic palette that's candy for the eyes.

But what's a good horror without a chilling soundtrack? Jeff Schroeder’s eerie melodies wrap around each scene, evoking spine-chills reminiscent of iconic horror scores from days gone by. His compositions, seamlessly transitioning between decades, further amplify the narrative’s tension.

However, FINAL SUMMER doesn’t pretend to be flawless. Though CGI plays its part, a deeper dive into practical effects could have ramped up the sense of realism, anchoring certain scenes even more firmly into reality. I’ve always said that the best use of CGI is when you don’t realize it’s CGI. You have to work within your abilities, and sadly, FINAL SUMMER sometimes reaches too close to the sun.

In conclusion, FINAL SUMMER blends classic horror's raw essence and contemporary cinema's finesse. Through the tales and terrors of Camp Silverlake, the film weaves a story bursting with fear, longing, and nostalgia. This is one of those films you’ll have to experience to know if it's your cup of tea.

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[photo courtesy of MIRACLE MEDIA]

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