Neon’s ‘Hell of a Summer’: Can It Slash Its Way to Originality?

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Distributors Neon and A24 have consistently put out critically acclaimed independent films that also resonate with awards committees. Yet, both these companies aren’t shy about venturing into different genres, particularly the horror genre, as evidenced by their recent projects. The most recent instance is Neon’s “Hell of a Summer,” a blend of horror and comedy, which serves as a tribute from directors, screenwriters, producers, and actors Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk.

In essence, Bryk and Wolfhard, young filmmakers, demonstrate a genuine fondness for the slasher genre. However, beyond a few humorous moments and cleverly designed gags, they fail to introduce anything new or surprising. Moreover, they struggle to leave their unique mark on familiar territory. To make matters worse, they never fully embrace either the horror or the satire aspects. As a result, the film finds itself in a limbo, neither excelling nor faltering excessively.

A Summer Like No Other” showcases almost every classic trope from summer camp slasher movies, while adding a fun and lighthearted twist to some and perhaps overusing others. The film’s most notable asset is the charming and lovable performance of Fred Hechinger. In this film, he portrays Jason Hochberg, a 24-year-old with aspirations to become a camp leader someday. His ambition is so strong that he opted for his seventh consecutive summer at Camp Pineway instead of an internship at a law firm, causing disappointment in his exasperated mother (Susan Coyne).

In this rephrased version: Jason comes back for another summer at Pineaway Camp to work under the management of John (Adam Pally) and Kathy (Rosebud Baker). However, unbeknownst to him, the pair were brutally slain by an unseen murderer in the movie’s opening scene. As he steps into their roles temporarily, Jason finds himself needing to assume control until the owners return. But managing the camp during Counselor Weekend proves challenging, as his fellow counselors prefer partying over participating in the activities that Jason has planned for them.

Beyond Jason, the counselors are a group of stereotypes often seen in slasher films. You won’t be shocked to find Bobby, portrayed by Bryk, who is fixated on his appearance; Chris, played by Wolfhard, smitten with someone – in this case, Shannon (Krista Nazaire); Mike, acted by D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, the tough guy; Demi, played by Pardis Saremi, who is popular on TikTok; Claire, portrayed by Abby Quinn, a kind outcast; Ezra, Matthew Finlan’s character, fascinated with the occult; Noelle, Julia Lalonde’s role, who seems to love all things mysterious; Ari, Daniel Gravelle’s character, a moody individual with a peanut allergy; and Miley, portrayed by Julia Doyle, an aggressive vegan.

To put it simply, most characters have their amusing moments that add charm to the movie. However, these moments are also opportunities for the unseen killer to strike, usually in ways that lack impact. The enigma of the killer’s identity becomes a significant plot point. Regrettably, the climax where the killer’s identity is unveiled falls flat, leaving many loose ends and culminating in an anticlimactic ending that’s rather dull.

In simpler terms, “Hell of a Summer” struggles to make a lasting impression despite its humorous moments and standout performance by Fred Hechinger. It doesn’t quite match the allure of intense genre movies it emulates, and lacks a unique identity that sets it apart as an original work. However, Bryk and Wolfhard demonstrate promising abilities as young filmmakers, particularly in their delivery of witty humor. They still have room for improvement in certain aspects, but their enthusiasm and dedication are encouraging signs for the future.

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2025-04-09 21:57