Cruel Summer
Cruel Summer
| 27 August 2016 (USA)
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Young Autism sufferer Danny enjoys the serenity and solitude of camping. That's all about to change when enraged teens Nicholas, Calvin and Julia find him, each with their own agenda for wanting to see Danny suffer.

Reviews
Supelice

Dreadfully Boring

AnhartLinkin

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

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Bluebell Alcock

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

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Logan

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

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noisyowl

This movie is definitely worth watching but I'm not sure why other reviewers describe this as "unrelenting brutal violence", the worst part of this movie is the fact of who the actions are being done to. Violence is very minimal and nothing is shown besides some blood smeared on a few people and a bag being put over his head, yet he is killed before giving the bag any purpose. Cool movie to watch, good music and visually appealing scenery. But let's not pretend this is some kind of brutal violent horror film, the horror comes from the subject matter, not the visual display of unrelenting gore.

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thesar-2

The poster and title - sooo misleading. In fact, it's pretty CRUEL they used a horror-movie themed advertisement to sell a dramatic story that takes place in less than 24 hours, let alone a whole "summer."Movie posters and trailers are often deceptive, but it's their job to sell their product. The actual substance of this "true story," is NOTHING like the Friday the 13th-type poster and title. Thankfully, I was not tricked as I had read the synopsis before clicking on this movie to watch. But, looking back, while writing this, I'm appalled at the artwork for the film and title. I mean, as stated, this all takes place in less than 24 hours, not the typical 3-months of summer.Another flaw, if you can call the person who named this and advertisers "flaws" for the film, itself, is the substance. The movie is incredibly short for such a horrific "real life-inspired" event and even at its 80 minutes, the actual movie ends at minute 72 with 8 astounding minutes of credits. Additionally, all-but nothing happens for the first 45-50 minutes, so you'll have basically 22 bona fide minutes of actual substance of the "inspired events."Now, that all said, those approximately 22 minutes are extreme, shocking and further detriments the title. It wasn't "cruel," it was inhuman. "Disgustingly evil" would describe those last 22 minutes. Basically one hot head loses his mind and reverts back to pre-primate thinking after a break up. He concocts a lie with one of his blokes after he hears of another lie of a young autistic boy sleeping with his now ex. The entire premise of the lies is weak, but apparently, the hot head needs his vengeance out on someone and the power he absorbs by manipulating and controlling a girl who fancies him and his mate is intoxicating to him. Meanwhile, the autistic boy, probably his first ever trip out alone from his parents in the wilderness is completely content with his accomplishments of camping alone. He truly looks at peace. And that's what makes the events that follow, that fateful Saturday, when the 3 bad teens meet up with him and punish him (BAD) for absolutely nothing...all the more unbelievably torturous to see. Anyone getting mistreated by bullies is bad enough, but to see how this completely innocent and at peace autistic boy is tortured so one alpha male can release some anger...is an abomination. Not sure the intentions of the filmmakers. To tell the story of the non-eventful events leading up to the tragic story and show the monsters these pricks were, or to cash in on the event for film-rights. For, once the story concludes - and believe me, I was completely and utterly emotional, it just abruptly ends, giving us a description of what happened next in 3 short sentences for what probably dragged on for months, if not years.I will say this: despite any intentions, the movie was beautifully shot, well-acted, believable and those last 22 minutes, including the VERY last 3-4, were so emotional for me, it's almost worth a recommendation. But, it's hard to tell someone else to see this when probably no one should ever. Unless they want to know true evil of some dumb bloke.***Final thoughts: Since this movie is so heavy, I'd like to finish on a lighter note: I loved the song "Cruel Summer" by BOTH Bananarama and Ace of Base in my younger days. That's all. Nothing about the movie and no, they play neither song in the movie. Spoiler? Ha.

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Tehe

The description of the movie says that Danny's Bullies wanted to see him suffer. This movie shows Bullying at its finest and good acting for all involved. Sad thing is that in real life,this happens everyday in these days and times. Bullies should watch this movie along with counseling, to change their behaviors before it is too late.

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gwynevans

Really enjoyed this movie. Atmospheric, engaging and gripping from start to finish. A good performance by Danny Miller, great to see him trying this genre. Especially interesting to see an autistic character as the lead role. The film is based on true events which actually makes it harder to watch, but still enjoyed this dark thriller...I was lucky enough to see this movie at Frightfest in August, but will still be buying the DVD. I hope movie fans get behind this film as it deserves a great reception.Can't wait for the next film from this director...

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