Whether you are a student (like me) who now has finally more free time or you want an activity that will help to start differentiating the seasons; a film can be a great gate way to a new season and mindset. Here are a couple of films that I think can be considered summer viewing essentials.
Dazed and Confused (1993)
This is the perfect film to not only start off the list but also start off the summer. The film takes place right as the summer of 1969 is about to begin. A group of high school friends who are going into their senior year of high school want a night to celebrate before the summer officailly begins. This film perfectly encapsualtes a fun night out with friends that you will refrence in the future. It’s a perfect film to watch on a nice relaxing day.
The Green Ray (1986)
Ever feel like you have nothing to do in the summer? Well do I have a film for you… This french film follows the story of Delphine and trying to find something to do in the summer. A continuous quest through France, Delphine while surrounded with others faces a summer by herself. A film that many can connect with as it deals with more personal topics such as depression.
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Summer can be one of the prime times to go on a trip, and if you’ve never taken a train trip, I would highly suggest it. Whats even better than a train trip? A train trip with a mystery. One thing that I love about Alfred Hitchcock’s early works is that the titles of his films are very straight to the point. In the film a lady, indeed vanishes. However, the events that lead up to this and after are what truly make the film.
As Iris, is about to get on the train a flower pot falls on her head, an older women next to her helps her up and finds out they are seat mates. After dinner she falls asleep and wakes up asking the others around her where the woman is. To her surprise no one knows who she is talking about. While she starts to believe everyone and thinks that it maybe due to the head injury, a small detail she notices starts to unravel a bigger mystery on board the train.
AfterHours (1985)
A crazy wild night. What is not summer about this. This is a great film to watch. Watch it trust me!
Project Hail Mary (2026)
This film perfectly captures many ideas and concepts that one may have when they think of the summer season. Ideas like freetime, long trips, alone time, etc. This film perfectly encapsulates the things that one may , not only due to the run tiume of the film but also the aspects. The run time of this film is 2 hours and 36 minutes, so this is a film that one would go with free time. If one inlcudes the trailers that are shown before the film, it amounts to around three hours.
One definetly needs a free afternoon. Additionally, the films plot surrounds the the story of a scientist who’s on a mission to help save earth. As the title says, it is a last effort or a “hail mary.” A fresh take in the sci-fi genre that gives hope rather than fear into the unknown.
Overall, the recommendations that I list are of great variety. From recent films to older ones, it can also show the progress of the film industry and technology. What are some of your favorite summer movies? Let me know in the comments!
J’s Journal 