Faithfully capturing the awkwardness of adolescence is tricky. High-school comedies can veer into the cringeworthy and cliché, and without a unique twist, it’s easy to recognize the same recycled tropes and messages. However, Jillian Bell offers something charming and unique with her directorial debut, Summer of 69. She leans into the absurdism and messiness of our formative teenage years, unapologetic in its hormonal chaos and raunchy humor. Yet despite the film centering on high school emotions, it doesn’t confine the frustration and loneliness of late blooming to teenagers. Rather, it provides solace to anyone of any age struggling with identity and self-worth. The result is not just a quirky coming-of-age production, but a cathartic, entertaining celebration of how unpredictable growing up is.
Summer of 69 follows Abby Flores (Sam Morelos), a naive, socially awkward Catholic high school student whose dorkiness makes her feel like an outcast. As graduation nears, she dreams of finally getting with her lifelong crush, Max Warren (Matt Cornett). The key? His favorite bedroom position is to “69.” Determined to win Max’s heart, she hires experienced local stripper Santa Monica (Chloe Fineman) as an intimacy coach. She needs someone to teach her the art of seduction and sex.
What follows is an endearing, comforting journey through the complicated nature of growth. The curse of youth is one of unfulfillment. Everyone yearns to reach that ideal version of success by a certain point as a kid. A big house with a nice view, an expensive car, or that dream job in your head. We all seek things that will make our lives and experiences worthwhile, or so we believe. As Abby learns in the film, her need for maturity is tied to her desire for companionship and belonging. Summer of 69 reassures viewers that there’s no rush to have it all figured out. Abby stumbles through confusion, discomfort, and hardship in trying to apply deadlines to her life, and that’s a universal experience everyone goes through.
The same applies to Santa Monica. Despite being past her high school years, she yearns for clarity. While she loves stripping, her goal is to own the club. She seeks career growth and security for her coworkers. However, she feels frustrated and ashamed of her current place in life compared to her former high school peers. Unfulfillment can affect even those beyond adolescence. This is the film’s heartwarming ethos; no matter your age or status in life, it’s okay to not be exactly where you want to be. Growth has no deadlines; it’s a constant evolution.
Despite the comedic title, the heart of the film is not sex. It’s the friendship and chemistry that form between two unlikely people. They are stark opposites, yet both carry a universal insecurity. Appreciating life’s unpredictability and imperfections is what creates lasting connections. The film is just that: a celebration of simply trying to find your place in the world, no matter how fast you bloom.
Stream Summer of 69 on Hulu now!
What's Your Reaction?
