Summer of 69
Summer of 69
Abby seeks to impress her crush by learning a specific sexual position, enlisting a stripper's help. However, she realizes true self-discovery and lasting friendship are more valuable.
Kevin Ward reviewed6d ago
What begins as a broad, Superbad-adjacent sex comedy—high schooler Abby (Sam Morelos) enlisting a stripper named Santa Monica (Chloe Fineman), to teach her the ins and outs of a sex act she barely understands—gradually reshapes itself into something closer to a platonic rom-com, where self-respect and self-discovery take precedence over any actual 69-ing. The premise is unabashedly silly, but the film finds surprising sincerity in the dynamic between Morelos and Fineman, the latter weaponizing her comedic timing (and rather impressive stripper moves) to carve out real pathos beneath the bawdy setup. A movie that starts with hormonal hijinks and ends with genuine warmth. Impressive directorial debut from Jillian Bell with a message of female friendship that radiates both on and off the screen and particularly during Bell’s director introduction before the world premiere at SXSW. Will be looking out for more from Bell and company.