Presented from the perspective of the 15-year-old protagonist Fanny, "My Eternal Summer" (Min Evige Sommer) is a raw and fascinating account of a teenage girl grappling with her mother's approaching death during their last holiday together. Directed by Sylvia Le Fanu, with Maria Rossing in the role of the hospice-bound mother and Kaya Toft Loholt as Fanny, this Danish family drama skillfully combines humor, resilience, and genuine emotions.
Following its premiere in the New Directors section at San Sebastian, the film also showcased at the BFI London Film Festival, impressing audiences with its deep emotional resonance. While the plot mainly revolves around Fanny, it also offers glimpses into the daily struggles of her parents, beautifully underlining their love, mutual support, and determination amidst grief.
The story primarily unfolds in their quaint summer home away from Copenhagen. The family lives a largely quiet existence there, marked by solemn moments, hospital visits, and rarely-voiced grief. Fanny, while lending a helping hand to her parents, also contends with her adolescent anxieties and relationship woes. Her battles with boredom, frustration over poor Wi-Fi connection, and a strained relationship with her boyfriend Jamie form crucial sub-plots.
Delicately woven are distinct elements that highlight the ordinariness and compassion of common people. For instance, Fanny's attempt to define her personality through an online test or her sharing a self-pitying poem about her boyfriend with her mother, reveal a touching mix of naivety and mature understanding. As her mother's condition deteriorates and friends gather for a farewell, Fanny bravely navigates her grief and shows remarkable empathy towards her parents.
Le Fanu's exemplary direction manages to keep sentimentality at bay, opting instead to focus on everyday rituals, the simplicity of gratitude, and the toll taken by protracted grief. The film's powerful performances, combined with lively lighting and a subtle score, create a deeply engaging and authentic portrayal of a family facing trauma.
