Hot Summer Nights

Hot Summer Nights review by Tanya Djavadzadeh

Written & Directed by: Elijah Bynum

Rating: 🏆 most excellent

It was the summer of '91 and everyone was hot, bothered, and high as shit. Weed dealers and beautiful girls of the summer took over Cape Cod for an unforgettable time. During the summer, everyone is considered either a townie or a summer bird (rich kid visiting for the summer)  - and Daniel, played by the ever so talented and immaculate work of art known as, Timothée Chalamet, is neither. Daniel is visiting his aunt for the summer and quickly finds himself besties with the local town dealer. His summer begins to take a turn for a more adventurous side. In comes the gangsters (in Massachusetts lol), the drama, the girls, the weed, the slugs, the girls, the weed, the hot summer nights, and a lot of pot.

Of course, I watch my comfort film because of Timothée, but also the chaos. It’s not an over-the-top chaotic stoner film like Harold & Kumar or Pineapple Express. It's just chaotic in a very A24, we’re trying to be artsy about this situation, style. I'm here for it. Daniel finds himself in some tricky situations and it’s fun to watch him play it out in his quirky ways. Those clips of Timothée being Timmy? He's very much a Timmy in this film. The storyline builds in a way at times you forget there are any problems. The cinematography is lovely and the color editing really blends well with the stills which can be captured. The music is absolutely perfect and romanticizes the scenes at times, then boom- CHAOS. 

Hot Summer Nights gives me a nostalgic feel for the era I was born into- literally ‘91. I think in some ways I watch this film and try to relate to a carefree view of the summer. A time when the only responsibility you really had was to come home eventually. Those hot summer nights lingering in driveways and parking lots just chillin’ with your friends. The late nights at the beach. And, so much weed. This film brings to life such situations which make you feel as if it’s what you actually experienced - even if it wasn't. It’s narrated in a sense of, use your imagination and create the story you think happens, type of way. 

This A24 beauty does have some editing issues and isn't the best scripted film. However, I do enjoy the aesthetic and badass vibe the whole film gives off though. And this soundtrack is one of my favorites! It has a lot of psychedelic rock influences. If you like chill vibes and beautiful sights - I'd *highly suggest* 😎