In 'Griffin in Summer', Nicolas Colia introduces us to a 14-year-old aspiring playwright, Griffin Naffly, who sets the bar high for himself. He dreams of writing about major themes from life's challenges and aims to produce his works on Broadway someday. Surrounded by peers involved in teenage exploits, Griffin focuses on his path to regional artistic dominance. With help from his best friend and budding director Kara, he plans a compelling domestic drama.
Griffin's life gets a twist with the arrival of Brad, a struggling artist hired by his mother to maintain their house. 'Griffin in Summer' brilliantly captures the young playwright's unexpected dip into the whirlwind of passionate emotions. The authenticity of Colia's cast brings a magical quality to this story that touches on themes similar to the iconic 'Call Me By Your Name'.
The film connects back to one of Colia's previous works, 'Alex and the Handyman', exploring deeper emotions and dramatic turns. Griffing, portrayed by the talented Everett Blunck, strikes a fascinating balance between a typical teenager and a driven artist.
This summer proves pivotal for Griffin, as he rides the rollercoaster of emotional turmoil sparked by his attraction to Brad. His play's direction takes a romantic turn with Brad in the picture, even reflecting the depth of Brad's own personal crisis. While 'Griffin in Summer' explores the protagonist's passions seriously, some character developments could have been improved.
However, the film successfully portrays the artistic journey of Griffin. It highlights how he uses his writing to understand and navigate through his turbulent emotions, serving as an inspiration to creators everywhere.
