A quirky charming tale of a few indomitable spirits
The Kings of Summer is a 2013 comedy drama directed by a first timer named Jordan Charles Vogt-Roberts. The film was first screened at the Sundance Film Festival this year where it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. The film won the Narrative Feature Audience Award at the 2013 Dallas International Film Festival as well. Such credentials are enough to get one excited about the film and I was no exception.
The story revolves around three teenagers Joe, Pattrick and Biaggio.Joe is a motherless rebel who shares a strained relationship with his perversely obstinate father Frank and is desperately looking for respite. Joe’s best friend Patrick might seem apparently happy but he is not because of his extremely weird and nagging parents.These two are terribly frustrated in their respective lives and Joe, upon accidentally stumbling into a secluded wood, formulates a plan to escape into the woods and to build a house there in order to experience ultimate freedom.He tries to convince Patrick and rope him in to his plan and, after few rounds of two steps forward and one step backward dilemma, they set out for a new journey into the woods accompanied by another strange guy named Biaggio. This journey turns out to be a great adventure where they build a house, hunt and fish amidst the greens, completely inconsiderate of exactly how concerned their parents will be. Things, however, take a different turn when Joe’s crush Kelly comes to their house.
I really liked the charming underlying innocence present throughout this film. The protagonists speak and do things from their hearts never realizing the consequences of their actions. The script does look a bit surreal and the three teenagers building a house in the woods never quite look convincing.
Instead of taking the film seriously, the director also plays it quite nicely here with some crisp editing, breathtaking visuals of the woods, the inspiring tunes, Biaggio’s bizarre dance and some genuine laugh out loud moments. Inspite of being a debutant, Jordan Charles Vogt-Roberts draws terrific & heartfelt performances from the cast especially the three kids (out of which Biaggio is my favorite with some of his brilliant one liners like “I don’t see myself as having a gender”). The dialogues are beautifully penned and ably supported by all the actors. The conversations between the teenagers and their parents never seemed unconvincing.
There are some beautiful moments in this film that stays with you long after the film is over. The rhythmic banging on the drain pipe, Joe’s heartbreak and the night turning into dawn with his eyes wide open were a treat to watch. The best thing about this film is there is utmost honesty and sincerity in every frame be it the bonding between the boys, the pain of heartbreak, the daring adventures in the woods or the frustration with parents. You will never feel the film is manipulative although it’s over dramatic at parts.
The film is far from perfect and has its flaws but the warm, affectionate & delightful performances really made the journey enjoyable.
Overall, The Kings of Summer is a charming & delightful coming of age drama about adolescence, fulfillment of life’s wishes and independence. The film is not a masterpiece, but I recommend you watch this story told from the heart. It’s definitely an enjoyable ride.
Cinema Paradiso 