Summer of 85 (2020), directed by Franรงois Ozon, is a nostalgic and bittersweet coming-of-age drama that explores first love, obsession, and the fleeting nature of youth. Set in the summer of 1985 on the coast of Normandy, the film follows 16-year-old Alexis (Fรฉlix Lefebvre), a dreamy and introspective boy who is fascinated by the idea of death. After his boat capsizes during a storm, he is rescued by David (Benjamin Voisin), an 18-year-old with a charismatic and rebellious nature. Their connection is immediate and intense, and Alexis quickly falls under Davidโs spell. What begins as an idyllic summer romance soon turns into something much darker, as emotions run high and jealousy threatens to tear them apart.
At first, David is everything Alexis has ever wantedโconfident, free-spirited, and full of life. They spend their days riding motorcycles, dancing, and exploring the world together, living in a bubble of youthful passion. David introduces Alexis to new experiences, making him feel alive in a way he never has before. However, while Alexis is deeply in love, Davidโs feelings are more ambiguous. He enjoys the thrill of the relationship but resists commitment, leading to an imbalance of emotions between them. This dynamic creates tension, as Alexis begins to realize that David is not as devoted as he is.
As their relationship becomes more complicated, Davidโs unpredictable and flirtatious behavior starts to hurt Alexis. When David begins seeing other people and treating their love as something casual, Alexis struggles to cope with his heartbreak. His love turns into obsession, and his emotions spiral out of control. The story is told through a series of flashbacks, as Alexis recounts the events of that fateful summer with a sense of tragedy. From the very beginning, the audience knows that something terrible has happened, but the full extent of it is only revealed as the film progresses.
The film explores themes of love and loss, as Alexis is forced to confront the painful reality that not all love stories last forever. He is haunted by Davidโs absence and struggles to make sense of their time together. Through his grief, he begins to understand the complexity of loveโhow it can be both beautiful and destructive. The story also touches on the theme of self-discovery, as Alexis comes to terms with his sexuality and what it means to love someone so intensely. The nostalgic cinematography and 80s soundtrack enhance the filmโs melancholic tone, capturing the fleeting magic of a summer that changed everything.
By the end, Summer of 85 is not just a story about first love, but also about the way we hold onto memories and the people who shape us. Alexisโ journey is one of heartbreak, growth, and ultimately, acceptance. The film leaves a lasting impression, reminding viewers that even the most passionate love stories can be defined by their inevitable end. Ozon crafts a poignant and visually stunning film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, offering a deeply emotional reflection on youth, desire, and the passage of time.
