The Summer Book (2025) - Film Review

      The Summer Book, 2025.

      Directed by Charlie McDowell.

      Starring Glenn Close, Anders Danielsen Lie, Ingvar E. Sigurðsson, Pekka Strang, Sophia Heikkilä, Emily Matthews, and Theo Zilliacus.

      SYNOPSIS:

      This film tells the uplifting story of a young girl and her grandmother who spend a summer on a small, deserted island in the Gulf of Finland. After experiencing a devastating loss, they move to a summer home on a Finnish island for healing. Charlie McDowell’s The Summer Book, adapted from Tove Jansson’s novel by Robert Jones, presents a timeless narrative, not only through its universally relatable themes but also due to its unique setting that feels ageless. The absence of modern technology adds to its isolation, echoing the characters’ solitude, even though the film might take place in the present day. The filmmakers strive for lyrical beauty, although the pacing may be challenging for some viewers.

      The emotions are subdued, which suits the straightforward nature of the story. At its core is the character of eight-year-old Sophia (played convincingly by newcomer Emily Matthews), who is still reeling from her mother’s death while grappling with her father’s (Anders Danielsen Lie, known for his remarkable performances in films like The Worst Person in the World) emotional unavailability. Sophia feels her father stopped loving her when her mother passed away. However, he is merely overwhelmed by grief and struggles to fulfill his role as a father, often burying himself in work, hoping their vacation might help access his buried emotions.

      The grandmother (Glenn Close, momentarily breaking away from less favorable roles on Netflix, showcasing her capacity for minimalistic, impactful performances when paired with perceptive filmmakers) understands that her son needs space to mend. Yet, the challenge is her own deteriorating health, limiting her time to help him reconnect with his parenting. This situation places The Summer Book at a compelling intersection of coming-of-age and confronting death narratives, highlighting the urgency to share wisdom with a bright young mind amid dwindling time.

      Much of the experiences involve Girl Scouts, allowing Sophia and her grandmother to explore the island’s stunningly serene landscapes (captured beautifully by cinematographer Sturla Brandth Grøvlen) while studying nature and embracing an outdoor lifestyle, especially when her father is busy or unintentionally neglects her. The grandmother also exhibits signs of memory loss, likely a natural decline rather than a severe condition, struggling to recall feelings such as what it’s like to sleep in a tent. Sophia eventually shares her perspective on that experience, creating a heartfelt moment that emphasizes the reciprocal learning between youth and the elderly, a theme underscored by the film’s focus on its environmental backdrop.

      The Summer Book prioritizes tenderness and leisurely discovery over plot. It unfolds at a slow pace, often sparingly eventful, occasionally to its detriment, yet remains visually stunning throughout. The calming, almost hypnotic quality of the film emerges as the camera follows the characters through various landscapes—from beaches to rocks—suggesting a harmonious union between the characters and nature. While the story may seem light, the performances and scenery deliver a subtly poignant and grand experience.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder