GoodTrash Critique: Cruel Summer Review

Recently, the GTGC email has been hammered with requests to review some independent movies from smaller distributors. So, we’re going to try and do them a solid since they reached out. You may even see some book reviews and interviews popping up, if possible. One of the screeners we received was for a thriller/horror film called Cruel Summer.

Cruel Summer is based on true events, and comes from Phillip Escott and Craig Newman, who share joint credits as Writer/Director. A UK production, Cruel Summer tells the story of Danny (Richard Pawulski), an autistic teenager who is heading out to camp in an effort to earn the Duke of Edinburgh Award—for those unaware, this is a self-improvement award developed for youths.

Little does Danny know, across town Nicholas (Danny Miller) has just been broken up with by his girlfriend. Upon hearing rumor that Danny had slept with his girlfriend, Nicholas is filled with rage. He recruits the help of Julia (Natalie Martins) and Calvin (Reece Douglas) to help him track Danny down. From there, things begin to spiral out of control as Nicholas becomes angrier.

Cruel Summer Review

These sort of low-budget independent films can always be tricky. You either run the gamut of some kid coming out of film school trying to be the next Lynch, or somebody that thinks they have a skillset that really isn’t there. So, I wasn’t really sure what I’d be getting in to.

Safe to say, Escott and Newman have a fairly strong skill set. I honestly believe that they have the potential to do something more, based upon this effort. The material behind this film is very heavy. However, from what I can gather from interviews, this is inspired by a series of crimes from the mid-to-late 2000s involving British youths. Which, after seeing the film, is a bit comforting. What Escott and Newman put on screen is challenging. If you’ve ever seen Compliance, I’d liken it to that, but more tragic. It’s what we here at GoodTrash would call a one-timer, for sure.

I’d heard some negative reaction to the film’s pacing, but I was pretty enthralled to find where the story was going. It’s set up with a cold open in media res that let us know where the story is going, it then cuts back to a title card for Saturday. We then proceed in linear time through the events of the weekend. Escott, Newman and company have a strong eye for placing the camera and visually editing. The composure of the film may be one of its strongest elements, so shout out to Lucas Tucknott, DP.

I also like Josef Prygodzicz’ score, a lot.

It fits the film well and helps give it a pulse, which is important early on as it takes a while for the story to get going. The score helps to drive the films pace, while setting the tone. However, the editing on the sound design is a bit rough at time, as their are a few awkward fade outs and cuts to the score.

Escott and Newman’s choice of material is challenging, as it could very easily slip into exploitation. For a bit, I was worried this would fall into the I Spit on Your Grave camp, but luckily it never feels that way. In fact, most of the film looks to be a cultural and character study of these youths played by Douglas, Martins and Miller. The script attempts to delve into ideas of toxic masculinity, bullying, the dangers of gossip, and mob mentality. Miller’s Nicholas is a master manipulator who convinces both Julia and Cavling to go along with his plan—he never makes no hesitation to let them know that he wants to kill Danny.

Martins’ Julia is enraptured by Nicholas, and continues to play along to impress him and win him over. She can’t understand why he won’t give her the romantic attention that he gives other girls. He plays on her affections and pulls her deep into the darkness. Calvin on the other hand is an outsider, a city boy. We understand early on that he cares about his younger sister and sees himself as protector. Nicholas preys on this. He convinces the newcomer that Danny is a pedophile. This pushes Calvin to worry about his sister.

Miller’s performance is strong, playing an ultimate villain.

And, even more terrifying, a realistic villain. We’ve all heard stories of jealous anger going too far, and that’s what Miller taps into. He bursts into the film in a fit of rage that sets a strong tone for his character throughout the rest of the film.

Danny’s portrayal is the trickiest aspect of the film. Richard Pawulski had to bring this character to life without falling into caricature. I think he manages well. The audience must empathize with Danny. We know from early encounters that he is strong, smart and outgoing. Pawulski treats the role with care, establishing Richard as an innocent kid trying to better himself. I think that he does a fine job. But, I’m not well versed in the subject of persons who deal with autism. So, I don’t want to speak too much on the subject.

For me, the biggest issue with the film is the story itself. At moments, it plays simply as a re-enactment of events, rather than a thrilling narrative. There are sequences that feel like they exist to simply burn time, rather than develop characters or the narrative. If Escott and Newman had tightened up those elements, maybe trimming out 5-10 minutes, or maybe giving us more of Danny himself, it would have balanced out a bit better.

Final Thoughts on Cruel Summer

At times throughout the film, it truly feels like the story is grappling with many of the issues and concerns of youth—the desire to impress, to not be looked down up, bullying, self-confidence, jealousy, etc. But, I’m not entirely sure those themes ever play out as it becomes a simple recreation of a “true story”. Yet, the climactic torture sequences never feel like they exist to titillate. They are uncomfortable and cold, which helps the film succeed. Nicholas’s actions are not enjoyable. They are shocking and uncomfortable. The film succeeds in that aspect.

I truly believe these two filmmakers have a load of talent, and I’d like to see what they can do with a stronger script.

Cruel Summer is now available on VOD and DVD, so check it out if you like to support independent film and let me know your thoughts.

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