“tu crois qu’on invente les gens qu’on aime?”

Ozon’s “Summer of 85” is a nostalgic tale of a doomed young romance that exudes pure sensual energy and a fervent captivation.

Constructing a multifaceted, evocative story about love, loss and growth is not of an easy chore, but Été 85’s profoundly touching and immersive storytelling and its acute consideration to detail shaped an unabashed French queer sensation that can be only be labeled as spellbinding and beguiling.

Both Felix Lefebvre and Benjamin Voisin, with an influential empathy and intense sexual tension defining their smooth yet poignant interactions, delivered an unquestionably heart wrenching and an entirely vulnerable and sensitive routine that can only be seen as grand acts of art.

From the film’s philosophical reflections on love and identity to a lyrical cinematography and poetic camera movements, Summer of 85 carefully balanced all the necessary elements of an impassioned portrayal of reciprocated and infatuated first love.

With an impressive set design, music choices and era-accurate clothing styles, this film captures the truest essence of the 1980s. A warmth of texture that fits in well with the nostalgic theme and Ozon’s unique touch.

Summer of 85 is an unanimously intoxicating queer coming of age romance that best serves as an ode to young love.

Synopsis: What do you dream of when you’re 16-years-old and in a seaside resort in Normandy in the 1980s? A best friend? A lifelong teen pact? Scooting off on adventures on a boat or a motorbike? Living life at breakneck speed? No. You dream of death. Because you can’t get a bigger kick than dying. And that’s why you save it till the very end. The summer holidays are just beginning, and this story recounts how Alexis grew into himself.