Shadows on the Wall | Summer of 69

Summer of 69

dir Jillian Bell
scr Jillian Bell, Jules Byrne, Liz Nico
prd Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps, Molle DeBartolo, Lucas Carter, Adam Goodman, Matt Skiena
with Sam Morelos, Chloe Fineman, Matt Cornett, Nicole Byer, Liza Koshy, Natalie Morales, Paula Pell, Charlie Day, Alex Moffat, Fernando Carsa, Scott Connors, Emy Coligado, Jillian Bell
release US/UK 9.May.25
25/US Hulu 1h42

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Sharply observant with very funny script, this is a rare comedy that takes a teen girl's perspective for a sex-positive coming-of-age story. Starting with the title (this is not a period film), the dialog is gleefully filthy, but any sexiness is of the comical variety. Still, wacky gags keep the movie fizzing through the corny plot points. And some intriguing ideas knowingly undercut the vulgarity with honest emotion.

Almost 18, Abby (Morelos) has had a crush on Max (Cornett) since she was a little girl, and continues to fantasise about him, especially now that he's single. Worried about her complete lack of sexual experience, Abby turns to stripper Santa Monica (Fineman) for advice, offering to pay enough to save her run-down club. Santa Monica guides Abby through offbeat lessons that build up her confidence. But as the graduation party approaches, Abby is still painfully nervous about flirting with Max. And Santa Monica needs the cash to fend off sleazy club buyer Rick (Day).

Most sequences go over the top, such as a nutty haunted house fantasy that reflects Abby's shame and guilt. Santa Monica is trying to help Abby live more in the real world, and to become aware of her body. But of course there are important lessons that both women need to learn about themselves and their situations. This involves a lot of silly banter, racy situations and a few moments of honesty, and while it keeps us laughing, it also sticks to the template and isn't as adventurous as it pretends to be.

Performances are broadly comical, matching the film's tone, but they're continually underscored by genuine insight. Morelos skilfully balances Abby's gamer nerd intelligence with her naivete. Fineman finds vulnerability under Santa Monica's tough-girl persona. The two also have terrific chemistry, playing up the awkwardness between them, as well as an unexpected understanding. And they are surrounded by an up-for-it supporting cast, including Byer and Koshy as fellow strippers, and Pell as their finance-challenged boss.

Essentially a buddy comedy, the story plays out exactly as we expect it to. Thankfully, it's loaded with clever observations about the difference between expectations and reality. The plot leads to a series of climactic scenes that are utterly ridiculous but also cathartic. And while the ultimate message is a tame one about how each person needs to decide for themselves when they're ready, there are enough laughs and sighs to leave us feeling satisfied.

themes, language 27.Apr.25

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