“Hell of a Summer,” written and directed by Finn Wolfhard (“Stranger Things”) and Billy Bryk (“When You Finish Saving the World”), premiered in theaters on April 4. The bloody slasher transports viewers to a seemingly carefree summer camp as 11 camp counselors kick off their summer season. The fun comes to a halt when one counselor is found dead, leaving the remaining group to work together to unravel the mystery.
Excited to return to Camp Pineway for his sixth summer as counselor, 24-year-old misfit Jason Hochberg (Fred Hechinger, “Eighth Grade”) struggles to connect with his teenage coworkers and becomes the black sheep. As all hope seems lost, a mysterious masked killer begins hunting them one by one. Jason must join forces with his friend Claire (Abby Quinn, “Knock at the Cabin”) and the others to survive.
Hochberg’s character embodies the friendly outcast archetype so effectively that some scenes become difficult to watch. As he continuously fails at gathering the uninterested counselors’ attention, the second hand embarrassment can be felt through the screen. His establishment as the oddball serves as a compelling aspect that drives the plot forward through the first half of the film.
The film excellently balances gore, comedy and suspense. Frequent laughs are followed by sudden bursts of tension, keeping viewers hooked and wondering what will happen next. In between each merciless killing, comedic relief comes from the humor shared among the teenage ensemble. This is seen when Bobby (Bryk) fixates on whether the killer chooses victims based on how attractive they are and wonders why he hasn’t been killed yet.
Each character has unique, quirky traits that set them apart. The different dynamics within the group elevate both the humor and plot. For example, Noelle (Julia Lalonde, “Anne of Green Gables” 2016), the psychic, interacts with gore in a collected, odd way that it humorously contrasts Ezra (Matthew Finlan, “All the Lost Ones”), the dramatic thespian.
Perfectly capturing a nostalgic vibe, the vibrant colors and the rustic surroundings immerse viewers in a warm, fuzzy summer experience that feels retro and timeless. The modern Gen Z counselors bring a fresh, contemporary energy, seamlessly blending old and new. By including the murder mystery, this mix hypes the film up to perfectly fit the campy slasher genre.
Wolfhard and Bryk’s attention to detail throughout the film truly enhances the camp atmosphere. The craft room, with googly-eyed decorated rocks, makes the camp feel lived in. The filmmakers also skillfully use ambient sounds, like chirping crickets and indie camp songs, to further establish the film’s overall vibe of a retro, scary summer.
Overall, “Hell of a Summer” captures the charming essence of summer camp — except slathered in blood. The comedy hits the mark, and the suspense is so enticing that viewers can’t help but worry over what’s coming next. It’s a fun watch that keeps audiences entertained as they begin to unravel the mystery themselves and fill in the missing pieces.
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