Hallmark was no stranger to having films revolving around serious themes and a number of their films to have things such as grief and how to cope with loss have been rather good. Not all their serious themed films have worked and plenty have been too sentimental and melodramatic, but enough are heart warming and poignant. Hallmark did quite a number of films centered around grief and loss in 2021 before and since 'One Summer' and mostly the execution was very well done.
One of the better films in this group is 'One Summer'. This was a story that could have easily been mawkish and melodramatic, but 'One Summer' executed its story with real poignancy and heart, treating the subject with respect while not taking it too seriously. As far as Hallmark's 2021 output goes, this is up there with the best and to me it's one of their better and most heartfelt films in recent years. It also manages to be a very good representation of both leads, whose Hallmark work in performance and resume is inconsistent.
It is not a perfect film, with it being a slow starter where the story takes a while to find its footing momentum wise and there is an over familiar vibe throughout the first act.
Madeline Grace Popovich personally didn't do it for me, her character's negative traits are very exaggerated and she tries too hard to the point she becomes annoying.
The performances however really impressed me. Sam Page has an easy going likeability and also never been this expressive or this moving. Sarah Drew, though her character could have been developed a little more, neither overacts or looks bored in a turn that's understated and sincere. Amanda Schull unsettles and moves and the son is adorable and heart tugging. Most of the characters are well fleshed out and easy to like or connect with, really related to them in very difficult circumstances, Popovich's is too much of a cliche and done badly but everybody else is fine.
Page and Drew do have chemistry together in my view, the relationship is not as focused on as much as the family stuff but they seem natural and genuine together. Had no issue with the character interaction, the family dynamic when in the grieving process being true to life and honestly done. The script sounds natural and has real sincerity throughout, it doesn't sugar coat the serious theme (far from it) but it didn't to me come over as over serious or soapy. Apart from some pacing problems early on, the story is very heart warming and moving. Personally didn't have a problem with the ending, there were far worse Hallmark film endings in 2021. The drama is not too soapy or over sentimental and it doesn't feel forced. Visually it looks pleasing, with the photography and scenery being equally attractive. The music plays a key role in the film while not being used too much, it has presence but isn't dominant in sound.
On the whole, very well done. 8/10.
