The Summer We Died

Trying to enjoy their summer together, a group of teenage friends determined not to let a psychotic killer going around town killing teenagers like them which puts them in contact with the deranged killer in the middle of their plans to keep their summer plans in check.

For the most part, this was a decent enough if overall problematic genre effort. One of its main attributes is the way this one goes about building up the lifestyle of the friend group and their lives together. The fact that so much of the first half here sets up the kind of group attitude they all have with the different interactions shown here involving the group at the skate park, dealing with their families, or going through the trouble of sneaking out to just hang out together. With this letting us get a chance to understand who the group is and how they came to be friends, everyone here comes off genuinely as a real collection of friends with the way they interact and talk with each other while there's a serial killer storyline hanging around on the outskirts of it all. The few instances in which this comes about to be involved in the story offer up some decent touches of suspense and stalking, with the way it features their attempt at getting around to different places in town to knock off victims. However, that would be fine if this didn't have a couple of crippling problems. The main issue here is that, for all the good this does at highlighting the friend group we're following, it just highlights how unlikable and aggravating they actually are. A self-centered brat-pack of a group who are far more concerned with skating at the park, going to concerts, or just talking with each other doing nothing, their rebellious nature is at the expense of self-preservation and common sense which ends up making for a decided lack of interest in seeing them safe. It really doesn't help that this is due to the other issue here as the killer feels more like a hindrance than anything, never getting a chance to see who they are or their handiwork often enough to care and getting just a few isolated moments to deal with it as the majority of this is more concerned with the friend group for the first hour until it brings this in until the end twist that puts everything together in a decent enough way of overcoming this.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Language and Violence.

Indie horror has a way of surprising you, and The Summer We Died is a perfect example of that. Directed by Dillon Brown and made on a micro-budget of just $3,300, this film is a testament to passion, hard work, and the unique approach of Horror Nerd Productions. What sets this project apart is its commitment to casting veterans and first responders, offering them a creative outlet to combat PTSD-a personal and meaningful touch that gives the film an extra layer of authenticity.

At first glance, The Summer We Died feels like a wild mix of a '90s MTV music video and an episode of The Real World. The heavy stylistic choices and editing make for an intense, immersive experience, though it can take some time to settle into. The music might not be for everyone, but it's clear that for many, it perfectly captures the film's raw energy. The acting, while not traditionally strong, is filled with heart-you can tell these aren't just performers, but real people pouring themselves into their roles. Initially, it's a bit jarring, but as the film progresses, you stop noticing the flaws and just go along for the ride.

The film doesn't hold back on blood and gore, using it sparingly but effectively, making for some genuinely cringe-worthy moments. But what really elevates The Summer We Died is its ending. The twist, which sneaks up on you in the final act, is brilliantly executed. It's the kind of reveal that makes you rethink everything leading up to it, and when it all clicks, it's incredibly satisfying.

While the movie has its rough edges, it's impossible not to appreciate the effort and passion behind it. This is indie horror at its most genuine-flawed, yes, but also bold, creative, and unexpectedly gripping. If you can embrace the rawness, The Summer We Died is a trip worth taking.