Much like a melody, there’s a uniform pattern to cinematographer Ben Hardwicke’s work, that drops in to introduce a meaningful voiceover every so often in the storyline. Inventive variations on the glittering majesty of being underwater threads throughout frames of sunlight, family, and youth. A camera submerges for routine ventures under the surface to capture the blue luminescence of both pool and lake backdrops.
Running deeper than just a jaw-dropping view, the focus on water doubles as a focus on control. Or rather, learning to let go of it. In Jaime’s case, the subtle heart of the movie suggests such a theme. That control is something she fights to keep, only to realize she never had it at all. Just like her grandmother sought it out in her last minutes of life, but in turn, opened one too many Pandora’s boxes that first led to chaos but eventually brought peace.
But what Summer ‘03 teaches its audience is that control is an illusion. Tying into the realism of the production is another lesson: not every interaction or human connection has to have a fairytale ending. In fact, most don’t. Like the comedy’s lead character, Jaime says, “It was the summer I f****d up.” And who can’t relate to that?
Summer ‘03 (2018) Written and Directed by Becca Gleason. Starring Joey King, Andrea Savage, Paul Scheer, Erin Darke, June Squibb.
8.5 out of 10 stars
