In How I Spent My Summer Vacation, writer-director Kenneth R. Frank crafts a tender, warm, and deeply relatable coming-of-age story about fear, family, and the fleeting beauty of life. Thirteen-year-old Grace (Raquel Sciacca) is looking forward to a summer trip to the Galapagos Islands with her father (Chris Mollica). But when her grandfather Richie (Jerry Colpitts) faces a sudden health scare, the family’s plans change, and Grace’s summer is instead spent on the east end of Long Island with her mother (Christina Elise Perry), younger brother Richie (Dawson Sciacca), and other extended family.
Grace is a bright, sensitive girl weighed down by a variety of anxieties, one of the most persistent being her fear of water, which keeps her from joining in the joy of swimming. She tends to overthink everything, letting her inner fears dictate how she moves through the world. Her grandfather, on the other hand, is a former New York Yankees pitcher whose laid-back, unflappable nature is the polar opposite. Even facing his own mortality, he chooses to keep living life on his own terms.
The summer becomes a quiet turning point for Grace. Away from her usual routine, she slowly opens herself to new experiences and people, including Mateo (Ryan Umbarila), whose friendship might hold the key to overcoming her fears. She learns the value of standing up for her younger brother in the face of bullies, the power of small acts of courage, and the importance of letting herself truly live.
“…Grace’s summer is instead spent on the east end of Long Island…”
Raquel Sciacca is a revelation in the lead role, delivering a nuanced, understated performance that captures the awkward vulnerability of early adolescence. Her ability to convey so much with a glance or a shift in posture speaks volumes about her instincts as a performer. Colpitts gives a grounded, heartfelt turn as Richie, avoiding sentimentality in favor of quiet strength. Mollica brings warmth to the role of Grace’s father, using his character’s shared interest in photography as a subtle bridge to help her connect with the world around her. Perry’s portrayal of Grace’s mother is equally strong, capturing the emotional weight of caring for both her children and her aging father.
Frank wears multiple hats, not only writing and directing but also serving as cinematographer and editor, and his personal touch is felt in every frame. The film’s visuals are vibrant without feeling artificial, embracing the natural light and colors of summer. Interior scenes are infused with a golden warmth, while the lush exteriors feel alive and welcoming. This visual approach gives the story a sense of intimacy, allowing viewers to feel like they are right there with the family.
Kevin Wolfring’s original score is another standout element, gently underscoring moments of quiet reflection while swelling to meet the film’s more emotional beats. It’s never intrusive, instead working in harmony with the narrative to emphasize its themes of growth, resilience, and connection.
At its core, How I Spent My Summer Vacation is about the way we navigate life’s uncertainties — how fear can keep us from living fully, and how love, family, and simple acts of bravery can guide us through those fears. The film never feels preachy or overdone; instead, it embraces an authenticity that makes its emotional impact all the more lasting. It’s the kind of indie gem that resonates because it understands that the smallest moments often carry the most meaning.
"…tender, warm, and deeply relatable..."
