Timothée Chalamet’s Most Underrated Movie Is Now On Netflix

by

Timothée Chalamet is one of the most well-known and consistently praised actors working today. While he appeared in the acclaimed film Interstellar early in his career, it was his role in Call Me By Your Name that really launched him into the spotlight. That performance earned him an Academy Award nomination and established him as a rising star. Since then, his films have consistently received positive reviews, and many have also been commercially successful, proving he’s a draw at the box office.

Timothée Chalamet has quickly built an incredibly diverse and impressive body of work. He’s starred in huge science fiction hits like the Dune films, critically acclaimed biopics such as A Complete Unknown, and major movies like Wonka and the Best Picture nominee Don’t Look Up. He also consistently takes on compelling roles in smaller, independent films like Marty Supreme, Bones and All, and Lady Bird. While many of his films are widely known, he’s also proven he can deliver in more understated projects.

While not one of Timothée Chalamet’s most well-known movies, Hot Summer Nights is a standout performance. Luckily, fans can now stream it on Netflix starting June 1st, giving this hidden gem the audience it deserves.

Hot Summer Nights Is A Hidden Gem

Though it’s often forgotten when discussing Timothée Chalamet’s best work, Hot Summer Nights is a surprisingly good film. It was a smaller release, earning less than $250,000 in theaters, and came out in 2017 – the year Chalamet really began to gain recognition. He starred in critically acclaimed films like Call Me By Your Name and Lady Bird that same year, which helped launch his career. This success likely contributed to Hot Summer Nights being overshadowed.

If you’ve seen Hot Summer Nights, you’ll understand why it’s a great movie. Set on Cape Cod in the summer of 1991, it really captures the feeling of that era. The story follows Daniel Middleton (played by Timothée Chalamet), a teenager who unexpectedly gets involved in the risky world of drug dealing. While the basic idea isn’t new, the film’s execution and the actors’ performances are what make it special.

Critics weren’t thrilled with the movie, giving it a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many of the negative reviews focused on a weaker-than-expected script and storyline. While that’s a valid criticism, the film still has plenty going for it. Reviewers particularly liked the charming cast and the movie’s visually appealing style, especially considering its modest budget. Some even enjoyed the film’s fast-paced, energetic, and somewhat chaotic nature.

Timothée Chalamet Is Fantastic In This Movie

What really makes Hot Summer Nights worth watching is Timothée Chalamet’s performance. He’s now a well-known and acclaimed actor, having starred in several major films and earning three Academy Award nominations for Call Me By Your Name, A Complete Unknown, and Marty Supreme. He’s also received awards from the Actor Awards, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards.

Though Hot Summer Nights didn’t bring Timothée Chalamet awards, it’s a fantastic early demonstration of his acting ability. He perfectly captures the character’s detached nature, which fits the story well. He has great chemistry with co-star Maika Monroe, who is also a successful actress. This film clearly showcases Chalamet’s potential, making it a worthwhile watch for any fan of his current work.

Beyond Timothée Chalamet’s performance, what really elevates this film is the incredibly strong supporting cast. Maika Monroe, who I’ve been a fan of since It Follows, consistently delivers, and she’s fantastic here. Maia Mitchell, known from The Fosters and Until Dawn, is another standout who deserves more recognition. Plus, you’ve got seasoned pros like Thomas Jane and William Fichtner adding weight to every scene. While the script isn’t perfect, the actors – guided by a capable director – consistently overcome any weaknesses and truly bring the story to life.

Where Hot Summer Nights Ranks Among Chalamet’s Best Work

While Hot Summer Nights didn’t receive very positive reviews, making it hard to rank among director Greta Gerwig’s best films like Dune: Part Two or Little Women, we can still evaluate how it performed compared to her earlier work.

It’s difficult to get a good read on Timothée Chalamet’s performance in Interstellar because his role is quite small. His other work from 2017 offers a better comparison. He’s excellent in Lady Bird, but it’s a supporting role, placing it behind Hot Summer Nights, where he truly carries the film. While Lady Bird is largely driven by Saoirse Ronan’s performance, even though Chalamet is good in Hot Summer Nights, his work in Call Me By Your Name that same year—which earned him his first Oscar nomination—is still his strongest.

His role in Hot Summer Nights was an early sign of the talent he would later showcase in his career. It demonstrated his potential to lead a film from a young age, a skill he’s continued to develop. This early work, including Hot Summer Nights, contributed to his rise as a prominent Hollywood star, making the film an important part of his filmography.

Read More

2026-06-01 21:41