A sweet, tender & heartfelt story of first love & sapphic romance, My First Summer captures the intoxicating feeling of falling in love and the restorative power of human connection with all its warmth, purity & innocence in tact. Beautifully anchored by arresting performances & vibrant chemistry between its leading ladies, the film addresses the themes of loss, support, intimacy & sexuality through their amity.
Written & directed by Katie Found in what's her directorial debut, the story features a simple, small-scale premise which Found renders on screen with unfailing gentleness & compassion. The connection & affection that develops between the two girls isn't hurried, unfolds at their pace of comfort and feels organic throughout. And despite being only 78 mins long, the flow of events remains relaxed & breezy from start to finish.
The radiant camerawork, bright colour palette & warm lighting aptly reflect the comfort the teenagers feel when they are together while the sexual tension between them is allowed to build up gradually. Markella Kavenagh articulates her character's trauma & timidness with sincerity. Maiah Stewardson exudes an infectious spirit & life-affirming energy that just fits her role. And the score & songs add their own flavours to the mix.
Overall, My First Summer is comforting, heartwarming & effervescent in its portrait of young love and is crafted with honesty & told with affection. The film doesn't try to overcomplicate things, keeps the romance accessible, and basks in the blossoming relationship between its characters. A pleasant surprise that commences the debutant director's filmmaking journey on a promising note, this Aussie teenage romance is definitely worth your time.
