In the critically acclaimed show, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” the picturesque beach house, nestled on the serene coastline, has found a new chapter. A delightful family, complete with three energetic children and a spirited poodle mix, are its new owners. However, for Aunt Julia, this transition is swift, and memories of the past beckon her to move on to Boston. Skye, Julia’s young daughter, after forging connections and new memories, feels differently. She’s enticed by the beach’s charm, the welcoming town, and a newfound bond with a side of her family she never really knew. Despite her mother’s urgency, Skye decides the beach house has more stories to tell her.
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The series takes a reflective turn, journeying back to a poignant period labeled “Shitmas.” The audience witnesses the cracks in the bond between Julia and Susannah. Julia’s discovery of her stepmother’s unkind wishes and Susannah’s unwillingness to empathize became the foundation of their growing distance.
Facing their last evening in the beloved house, Belly aims to make it memorable. She plans a lavish farewell party, echoing a grand Gatsby-themed bash Susannah once hosted in honor of their late father. Amidst preparations, Jeremiah’s emotional connection to the house becomes evident. It’s not just brick and mortar for him but a haven of memories. A spontaneous splash in the pool, accompanied by the gentle strumming of Taylor Swift’s “Delicate,” offers a fleeting moment of levity.
As preparations intensify, Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad embark on a supply expedition. It’s during this jaunt that Belly’s charm and quick thinking ensure their party has all the required spirits. Subtle interactions hint at tangled emotions and unfinished business among the trio.
Elsewhere, Skye and Cam Cameron find common ground. On a mission to acquire sound equipment, they share vulnerabilities and dreams. Cam’s apprehension about leaving his family for a prestigious whaling internship becomes a heartfelt discussion. Skye, always encouraging, persuades him to chase his passion.
As guests begin to arrive, Belly dazzles in a throwback ’70s ensemble. Her graceful entrance is interrupted by a stumble, and Jeremiah swiftly catches her, their chemistry undeniable. Inside, Steven holds onto hopes of rekindling old flames between Belly and Conrad. However, he’s not without his own romantic entanglements, as his complex feelings for Taylor resurface.
Outside, under a canopy of stars, Skye and Cam’s budding relationship takes a leap forward with a genuine, affectionate kiss. Within the house’s walls, Steven’s confession to Taylor is juxtaposed against an unexpected conflict, culminating in a heated skirmish between Steven and Milo. The chaos disrupts Jeremiah and Belly’s intimate moment, adding more layers to the night’s drama.
A glimmer of hope shines through when news reaches the Fishers. They might be able to lease the beach house every summer. While this brings solace to some, others view it as a bittersweet compromise. Emotional tensions reach a climax, with Jeremiah confronting Conrad about his seemingly vacillating feelings for Belly.
On the beach, Conrad and Belly’s heart-to-heart unveils years of misunderstandings and suppressed emotions. Their dialogue, laden with heartbreak and regret, becomes one of the series’ most poignant moments. Taylor Swift’s “Snow on the Beach” accentuates the emotional gravity.
The sun begins to rise, heralding the end of a tumultuous night. Steven and Taylor find solace in each other’s arms, sealing their connection with a gentle kiss. But as dawn breaks, remnants of the wild party — graffiti on walls and a broken window — stand in stark contrast to the serenity of the beach. An emotionally drained Belly, in her moment of vulnerability, reaches out to her mother, a touching testament to the enduring mother-daughter bond during trying times.
The Summer I Turned Pretty is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
