‘Summer Solstice’ Movie Review - A Gentle Dive into the Messy Heart of Trans Masculinity

"Summer Solstice," directed by Noah Schamus, is one of those films that feels like a quiet evening with friends—comfortable, filled with laughter, awkward moments, and those unspoken truths we all carry. It doesn’t strive to overwhelm with grand gestures or dramatic twists. Instead, it offers a deeply relatable glimpse into the everyday life of its trans protagonist, Leo, portrayed with understated grace by Bobbi Salvör Menuez.

The plot kicks off with Leo, an aspiring actor, fumbling through a cringe-worthy audition for a trans role that reeks of the stereotypical tropes trans people are all too familiar with. This opening scene sets the tone: "Summer Solstice" is not here to conform to the usual narratives. Instead, it flips the script, focusing on the mundane yet profoundly significant moments that often go unrecognized in mainstream cinema.

As Leo gets pulled into a weekend getaway by his overbearing straight best friend Eleanor (played with infectious energy by Marianne Rendón), the film delves into the messy complexities of their friendship. Eleanor, full of charm and loud heterosexuality, drags Leo into her world where he feels both indispensable and invisible. Their relationship is a dance of push and pull, with Eleanor's genuine affection and unintentional insensitivity clashing in a way that feels all too real.

Throughout the weekend, Leo’s passivity becomes both a point of frustration and empathy. Schamus' direction, combined with Menuez's nuanced performance, keeps us engaged with Leo’s internal struggles. The film does a brilliant job of making his internal conflicts visible, even in the quietest moments. You can almost feel the weight of his thoughts as he navigates the tricky terrain of being both a participant and an observer in his own life.

The supporting cast shines, particularly in how they interact with Leo. Monica Sanborn’s Alice is the quintessential cis woman who Leo can’t help but be drawn to, even as her desires clash with his hopes. Their scenes together are tinged with a bittersweet awkwardness that’s both endearing and painful to watch. In contrast, Mila Myles’ Oliver, a confident queer trans man, offers Leo a glimpse of what he could be if he stopped holding back. Their chemistry is less about romantic tension and more about the potential for mutual understanding and growth.

The cinematography is simple yet effective, with the rural setting serving as a quiet backdrop to the characters’ inner turmoil. The house where most of the film takes place feels both claustrophobic and expansive, mirroring Leo’s own conflicting emotions. There’s a rawness to the way the film is shot that complements its indie roots, embracing its low-budget constraints to focus on character and dialogue over spectacle.

However, this focus on the subtle can also be the film’s downfall. At times, the pacing drags, and the lack of a traditional narrative arc might leave some viewers craving more momentum. The film’s commitment to realism means that not every conflict is neatly resolved, which, while true to life, can also feel unsatisfying in a cinematic context.

Yet, "Summer Solstice" is not a film that aims to satisfy everyone. Its strength lies in its authenticity and its refusal to pander to expectations. It’s a film that understands the quiet battles we fight within ourselves, especially in the face of societal norms that constantly try to define who we should be.

In the end, "Summer Solstice" is a film about finding solace in the small victories. It’s about recognizing the beauty in the messiness of life and the importance of the people who, for better or worse, shape who we are. It’s a film that will resonate deeply with those who have ever felt caught between who they are and who they want to be.

For those willing to sit with its quiet intensity, "Summer Solstice" offers a poignant, if imperfect, reflection on the complexities of trans masculinity and the universal desire for connection. It’s a film that, like the longest day of the year, lingers in your mind, its light slowly fading but never truly gone.

If you’re in the mood for a film that invites introspection rather than a distraction, "Summer Solstice" might just be the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times