The film “Last Summer” plays like an extended montage that advertises the breathtaking views and the clear Mediterranean waters of southern Turkey. Like a migratory fish, the teenager Deniz (Fatih Sahin) is lucky enough to spend the summers on this beautiful coast in the coastal town where his family owns a cottage. This wafer-thin coming-of-age film (on Netflix) is set in the summer of 1997, when Deniz is out with his cool older sister Ebru (Aslihan Malbora) while he feeds the puppy love for her teasing beast Asli (Ece Cesmioglu). .
Director Ozan Aciktan is interested in how Deniz’s crush on Asli, a flirtatious young woman, reflects his longing for the confidence and thrill of adulthood. When he accompanies Asli and her friends to a high cliff, Deniz shows him jumping into the sea. Although he survived the fall, the cut on his foot is a sign that growing up is exciting, but not without pain.
The movie’s attention to Deniz’s growing pains is useful as Asli, a beautiful but blurry character, meets a charming older man and Deniz’s shy longing takes a jealous turn. Tension builds up on sunny days and sweaty nights. But at its climax, the film fails to fulfill its purpose. Asli’s feelings seem to change on a whim, and Deniz suffers no consequences for his mistakes. For all the beauty of its dazzling holiday setting, “Last Summer” drives by, but not to a satisfying destination.
Last summer
Not rated. In Turkish, with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 41 minutes. Watch on Netflix.
