The summary is not meant to be a put down, just an apt description of Frank Perry's provocative, compelling and generally unsentimental coming-of-age film. Last Summer has allegorical overtones; the isolated island setting without adult supervision suggests Lord of the Flies. All the expected elements of a loss-of-innocence tale are here: sex, booze, pot, and homosexuality, but the atmosphere, acting and the dialog avoid clichés, even if the director indulges in a few. The four leads embody their roles superbly, and Thomas and Burns are particularly affecting. Burns received an Oscar nod for supporting actress. The feelings of power and powerlessness, isolation, and the herd mentality are persuasively rendered. Despite being released on VHS some years ago, this film has pretty much remained obscure. Worth seeing, and it holds up as well as 1969's Best Picture winner, Midnight Cowboy.
Review of Last Summer
