A Journey Through Family and Forgiveness

Read Time:3 Minute, 48 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
In the Summers
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Alessandra Lacorazza
Writer(s): Alessandra Lacorazza
Cast: Residente, Sasha Calle, Lio Mehiel, Leslie Grace, Emma Ramos, Sharlene Cruz, Gabriella Surodjawan, Indigo Montez, Julian Cavett, Diana Gaitirira
Where To Watch: available on Blu-ray February 11, 2025, here: www.amazon.com or digitally now

RAVING REVIEW: Set against the sun-drenched backdrops of New Mexico, IN THE SUMMERS explodes onto your screen as an exploration of the challenges and changes within a single family, framed through four segments. As we journey through the years with sisters Eva and Violeta, their annual reunions with their father, Vicente, who contends with his own personal demons, are laid out before us. Each summer unfolds more aspects of their complex relationships, showcasing their transformation against a narrative of reconciliation and personal growth.

IN THE SUMMERS is Alessandra Lacorazza’s directorial debut. She brings a new and welcoming voice to the screen with a story that captivates and challenges. The film, structured with episodic chapters, captures distinct phases in the lives of its characters, enriching our understanding of their evolving interactions. This format allows the story to develop an emotional core that engages the audience with each passing summer.

Residente (René Pérez Joglar) delivers a nuanced performance as Vicente, a father whose love is tainted by his ongoing struggle with addiction. His portrayal captures the tension between his failings and his deep love for his daughters, who are portrayed by various actors as they age, adding a unique feel to the narrative. This casting choice enhances the film, providing a continuous thread as Eva and Violeta mature before our eyes.

The visual narrative crafted by cinematographer Alejandro Mejía is nothing short of poetic. The vast landscapes of Las Cruces serve almost as a silent character, observing the unfolding family drama with a stark beauty captured in the film’s patient and measured cinematography. This visual storytelling complements the emotional timbre of the narrative, drawing viewers into the intimate world of the characters.

The screenplay stands out for its subtle storytelling approach. Lacorazza chooses to show rather than tell, weaving the family’s backstory into the fabric of their interactions rather than relying on heavy-handed exposition. This method respects the audience’s ability to engage with the film on a deeper level, relying on visual cues and nuanced performances to fill in the emotional gaps.

The theme of addiction, a central thread in the film, is handled with a careful touch that avoids melodramatic clichés. Vicente’s struggles are portrayed with complexity and humanity, inviting viewers to see him as more than just his addiction and to understand the broader impact of his actions on his family. This portrayal adds depth to the film, making it a poignant reflection of many families’ struggles.

The film’s deliberate pacing and focus on subtle moments require patience from the audience. However, those attuned to the story will be rewarded with a narrative that resonates on multiple emotional levels.

The film has garnered praise for its portrayal of complicated family dynamics and the solid performances of its cast. The film’s reflective nature and the depth of character study it offers establish Lacorazza as a filmmaker capable of capturing the subtle complexities of human relationships.

IN THE SUMMERS offers a thoughtful and beautifully filmed insight into family, forgiveness, and personal growth. The film leaves a lasting impression, prompting audiences to ponder the enduring nature of family ties and the paths we navigate through the trials of life.

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[photo courtesy of MUSIC BOX FILMS]

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