What It’s About
After the premature death of her mother, six-year-old Frida (Artigas) is sent to live with her aunt and uncle, Esteve (Verdaguer) and Marga (Cusi), in rural Catalonia. Bewildered by her loss, Frida’s adjustment to her new life is bumpy; her acting out includes mistreating her sweet younger cousin Anna (Robles). Under tricky circumstances where their own patience is frequently tested, Marga and Esteve gradually help Frida acclimate.
Why We Love It
Writer/director Simon’s largely autobiographical first feature is a sensitive, keenly observed portrait of one young girl’s gradual processing of grief. Intimate and observational, “Summer” features astonishingly natural performances from child actors Artigas and Nobles, and adults in the room Cusi and Verdaguer are every bit as good. Amidst all the underlying tension, Satiago Racaj’s lush cinematography makes us feel the heat of a lazy, languorous Catalonian summer. It’s no surprise that Simon took home prizes at the Berlin Film Festival for best first feature, and best single film overall. Go back to “Summer 1993”— you’ll be glad you did.