𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟕)

“Something Like Summer” (2017) is a heartfelt LGBTQ+ romantic drama based on the book of the same name by Jay Bell. Directed by David Berry, the film explores themes of love, identity, and personal growth through the lives of two young men, Ben and Tim, as they navigate the emotional complexities of a relationship that spans years.

The film follows Ben and Tim, whose love story begins during their teenage years and evolves into a complicated and heartfelt journey through adulthood. It begins when Ben, an openly gay teenager, falls in love with Tim, a popular boy at school who initially struggles with his own identity. The relationship is tumultuous from the start, marked by the struggles of coming out, societal expectations, and personal insecurities.

Ben, who is open and confident about his sexuality, is initially head over heels for Tim, but Tim is hesitant to fully accept his feelings and comes from a background that makes it difficult for him to openly embrace who he is. This creates tension and heartbreak between them, as Tim oscillates between wanting to be with Ben and his fear of being judged by others.

As time goes on, Ben and Tim grow apart but remain in each other’s lives, with both of them trying to move on and date other people. However, their past connection and the love they once shared continue to linger. Years later, they are reunited, and Ben is faced with the decision of whether or not he should open his heart again to someone who has hurt him deeply.

The film delves into the struggles of reconciling the past with the present, personal growth, and the difficulty of letting go of someone you love. It touches on how people evolve over time, both emotionally and in their identities, and explores the themes of second chances and self-acceptance.

“Something Like Summer” was generally well-received by audiences, especially those who are fans of LGBTQ+ romantic dramas. Viewers praised the film for its emotional depth and the portrayal of a realistic, albeit sometimes painful, love story. The dynamic between Ben and Tim resonates with anyone who has faced the challenges of unrequited love, the complexities of identity, and the idea of a love that is not always easy but worth pursuing.

“Something Like Summer” is a poignant and emotionally engaging film that captures the complexity of love, identity, and personal growth. Through the evolving relationship between Ben and Tim, the film offers a heartfelt exploration of how love can shape our lives, sometimes painfully and imperfectly, but always with the possibility of growth and reconciliation.