Italian
A summer of self-discovery: ‘This Beautiful Summer’ review
The allure of summer in coming-of-age tales
Summer, with its sun-drenched days and balmy nights, has always been a fertile ground for coming-of-age stories. Unlike the renewal of spring or the retreat of winter, summer’s sweltering heat and long days invite a sense of unbridled discovery. It’s a season that encourages a kind of abandon, allowing one to explore and perhaps even reinvent oneself. Laura Luchetti’s touching film, This Beautiful Summer, captures this essence beautifully. While it treads familiar ground, the film’s playful and coy sensibility makes it irresistibly charming.
A journey through 1938 Turin
Freely inspired by Cesare Pavese’s La bella estate, Luchetti’s film is set in Turin during the summer of 1938. At the heart of the story is Ginia, portrayed by the captivating Yile Yara Vianello. Ginia has moved from the countryside to the city with her brother, seeking a more exciting life. However, when we first meet her, she is trapped in a monotonous routine that stifles her spirit. She works diligently at a downtown atelier, impressing her boss with her punctuality and talent as a seamstress and pattern-maker. In her leisure time, she mostly spends time with her brother and his friends, who lead a conventional life. This all changes when she meets Amelia, played by Deva Cassel.
The magnetic presence of Amelia
From the moment Amelia dives into a lake where Ginia and her friends are gathered, Ginia is smitten. Cassel’s portrayal of Amelia is magnetic, making her an alluring presence throughout the film. Whether she’s coyly asking for a cigarette, discussing her nude modeling work, or teasing Ginia into more daring territory, Amelia captivates both Ginia and the audience. “She’s not like us,” a friend warns Ginia. “Thank goodness for that,” Ginia retorts.
A transformative friendship
The friendship that blossoms between Ginia and Amelia is transformative. Amelia recognizes something intriguing in Ginia’s furtive glances, and their bond unlocks a new world for Ginia. As she is embraced by Amelia’s bohemian artistic circle, where painters introduce her to absinthe and a rebellious joie de vivre, Ginia begins to awaken to a version of herself she was too shy to explore. But how far will she go before her carefully constructed life starts to crumble?
The backdrop of 1930s Italy
Set against the backdrop of late 1930s Italy, lovingly recreated by set designer Giancarlo Muselli and interior designer Marco Martucci, This Beautiful Summer is a visual delight. Mussolini’s speeches on the radio score Ginia’s days, much to her irritation. The film traces Ginia’s journey of self-discovery with a gentle touch, capturing her envy and admiration for Amelia. Ginia wants Amelia, but she also wants to be her. This dual desire leads to a series of stumbles and missteps as Ginia navigates her feelings.
A non-linear journey
Luchetti’s screenplay, while moving, is somewhat languid, reflecting the non-linear progress of Ginia’s journey. Her heart flutters when she’s near Amelia, accompanied by Francesco Cerasi’s romantic score. However, Ginia often mirrors Amelia, unable to fully comprehend her feelings. She insists on posing nude like Amelia, hoping that being gazed at will help her see herself anew. This desire is disconcerting for Amelia, Ginia’s brother, and the bohemian artists she tries to impress, seduce, and later avoid.
A showcase of talent
Despite hitting familiar beats about same-sex desires, youthful awakenings, and artistic ambitions, This Beautiful Summer shines as an acting showcase for Vianello and Cassel. Vianello’s Ginia is a budding flower, while Cassel’s Amelia is a prickly rose. Their performances are complex and revealing, thriving on stolen glances and wordless gestures. The film’s lush production design harkens back to old-fashioned romantic dramas, while its contemporary sound design keeps it grounded in the present.
A tender tale for the ages
This Beautiful Summer is a tender tale that perfectly captures the essence of summer. It is wistful and witty, sultry and soothing. Above all, it is a balm for those seeking a coming-of-age story that, while looking at the past, is emboldened by our vibrant present and an even more daring vision of the future.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit This Beautiful Summer.
