The Last Summer

If you’re looking for a new teen romcom, 'The Last Summer' might seem like a breezy option, but it's not without its hiccups. With a runtime that feels longer than necessary, the film often stumbles on its way to a predictable conclusion.

Navigating Summer Before College

Set against the backdrop of a Chicago summer, 'The Last Summer' follows a group of high school friends navigating their final weeks before heading off to college. Main character Griffin (KJ Apa) grapples with budding romance alongside long-standing friendships while trying to savor every moment of this fleeting season. The film weaves various love stories amidst a backdrop of youthful exuberance and uncertainty, touching on themes of love, friendship, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. However, while the premise is ripe for exploration, the execution often feels shallow and overly familiar.

Performances That Lack Depth

The performances in 'The Last Summer' are a mixed bag. KJ Apa and Maia Mitchell manage to bring some charm to their roles as Griffin and Phoebe, yet their chemistry never quite ignites as hoped. Jacob Latimore as Alec is particularly underutilized, often overshadowed by the more prominent characters without much character development. The supporting cast like Tyler Posey and Sosie Bacon provide moments of levity but feel like they are working with half-baked characters. The film misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the motivations of these characters, leaving viewers wanting more substance than mere surface interactions.

Sunny But Standard Direction

Directed by William Bindley, the film adopts a laid-back, summer vibe which is visually appealing at times, capturing the essence of youthful freedom. However, the direction lacks the finesse needed to elevate the material; several scenes drag on without adding meaningful context. The cinematography often feels standard, leaning heavily on sun-drenched shots of Chicago’s streets without offering any unique visual storytelling. The editing also suffers from uneven pacing, making some segments feel unnecessarily extended, which detracts from the overall flow of the film.

A Mix of Frustration and Fun

Watching 'The Last Summer' is occasionally engaging but often feels like a chore. There are moments of potential emotional weight, especially during the more tender scenes between friends, yet these are frequently interrupted by clichéd dialogue and predictable outcomes. The film tries to tug at the heartstrings but frequently falls flat, leaving viewers more frustrated than touched. Consequently, it feels more like a collection of romcom tropes than a cohesive emotional experience, making the 109-minute runtime feel longer than it should.