GRIFFIN IN SUMMER
Filmmaker Nicolas Colia‘s irresistibly funny, semi-autobiographical coming-of-age GRIFFIN IN SUMMER is finally in theaters tomorrow. This massive hit from Tribeca 2025 sets the tone in its opening scene. We find our titular character at a Talent Show. While other kids sing off-key duets, the ambitious and undeniably talented 14-year-old Griffin performs a scene from his latest play, acting out both roles, of course. It is more Tennessee Williams than child’s play. Griffin is in another strosphere.
As he prepares to self-fund his hefty two-act drama with his theatre “besties,” Griffin’s theatrical passion is further fueled by a tumultuous homelife. Colia delivers a truly tangible script. Griffin’s mom seems overwhelmed with her go-getter and rather demanding son, but under the surface, something else is simmering. She hires a neighbor’s son to help with yard cleanup. What begins as an annoyance to Griffin transforms into a sexual awakening, a test of relationships, and a piece of art that mirrors his unresolved trauma.
Kathryn Newton, once again, gives us a quirky, memorable character as Brad’s girlfriend. Abby Ryder Fortson is a gem as Griffin’s director friend, Kara. Melanie Lynskey elevates every single project she works on. Playing Helen, she has more depth than at first glance. She can do no wrong in my book.
Owen Teague plays Brad with an initial aloofness that perfectly contrasts Griffin’s overzealous nature. As Teague taps into Brad’s motivation, *no pun intended,* the performance captivates in an entirely unexpected way. Everett Blunck is a star. His portrayal of Griffin feels like a documentary rather than a performance. It is one well beyond his years. He exudes fierce confidence that is infectious. Teague and Blunck have magnetic chemistry. Colia skillfully creates a subtle doppleganger effect between the two. It is an incredibly nuanced balance of characterization and performance.
Griffin is every tenacious theatre kid *cough, cough* who has a creative drive that is their lifesblood. When I was Griffin’s age, a teacher asked me why I liked theatre. Before I could answer, she suggested it is because it’s easier to put on a mask of a character. First, I was insulted. As a neurodivergent adult whose entire existence revolves around creation, art, and performance, she wasn’t wrong.
Colia cleverly speaks to art as catharsis, the plight of a tortured artist, and the meaning of authentic friendship. Existing between childhood and adulthood is wrought with emotional chaos, impossible questions, self-loathing, fear, and awkwardness. GRIFFIN IN SUMMER playfully touches on each of these with unfiltered heart and humor.
GRIFFIN IN SUMMER trailer:
Opening In Theaters August 29th
Written & Directed by: Nicholas Colia Griffin in summer
Starring:
Everett Blunck (marking his feature film debut)
Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”)
Owen Teague (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes)
Abby Ryder Fortson (Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret)
Kathryn Newton (Lisa Frankenstein)
Produced by: Juliet Berman, Bobby Hoppey, Camila Mendes, Rachel Matthews, Matthew Miller
Executive Produced by: Fred Bryant, Cullen Conly, Alex Tynion
Griffin Nafly (Everett Blunck) is the most ambitious playwright of his generation. He’s also fourteen years old and living with his parents in a humdrum suburb while dreaming of moving to New York City. When his mom (Melanie Lynskey) hires a handsome 25-year-old handyman (Owen Teague), Griffin’s life and his new play take an inspired turn. Also starring Kathryn Newton and Abby Ryder Fortson. Griffin in Summer
RT: 93 minutes
Judy Greer, as Lady Elizabeth, is hilarious. The huffy delivery of her over-the-top dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny. The chemistry between her and Lynsky is magic. Her arch is increasingly delicious. Greer gives into the joy of the role. Melanie Lynskey, ladies, and gentlemen. This is a wildly fun performance. She will induce fits of giggles. She’s crass and sloppy and I loved every second. Justin and Christian’s script lets these two actresses be playful and ridiculous. I cannot imagine a better duo.
One of the funniest running gags has to be Hannah’s awkward run-ins with Marcus, another employee, and resident of Wadsworth Manor. This gives actor Wallace Jean solid moments to shine. You’ll remember those scenes. You get a little bit of everything in this script. It’s a stoner comedy, it’s a mystery, and it’s a unique relationship film. When I say relationship, I mean between our two female protagonists. They learn to cooperate and break down barriers in communication in silly and honest ways. Lady Of The Manor is goofy fun, and you can’t go wrong with it this weekend.
With two small children, I now have a whole new set of anxiety as I research schools. I remember how bullying affected me when I was middle-school age. But with social media and the lack of consequences I have seen surrounding some children’s behavior, I am increasingly nervous about what my kids are getting themselves into through no fault of their own. My sister is newly a fulltime school counselor. The lack of coping skills and the increase of online harassment makes these kids more vulnerable than ever before. She job has quickly transformed from a few state-mandated cases into the disciplinary dumping ground for her particular administration. The uphill battle keeps getting higher.
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