Summer Hours 2009
Directed by
Olivier Assayas
Made by
IFC Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Summer Hours (2009). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
On a warm summer day, the widowed Hélène Berthier, who has since abandoned her married name of Marly, hosts a gathering at her picturesque countryside home to celebrate her 75th birthday. Surrounded by her three children, their partners, and all her grandchildren, she is preoccupied with the fate of her beloved home and the invaluable treasures left by her late uncle, Paul Berthier, a talented artist she deeply admired. Hélène wishes for a harmonious agreement among her children regarding the future of their family legacy.
However, shortly after this heartfelt celebration, tragedy strikes as Hélène passes away. Left behind are her three heirs, each with differing views on how to manage the aftermath. The eldest, Frédéric, resides in Paris and longs to preserve the house as a cherished gathering space for future family events. Conversely, his two siblings, both living abroad, have contrasting desires: Adrienne, who is in a relationship with an American in New York City, and Jérémie, who has settled in China, prefer to keep only a few sentimental items and turn the rest into cash.
Since Hélène did not leave behind a will, the tax implications of her estate are substantial. Their lawyer proposes a solution to alleviate financial burdens by donating some of the family’s artifacts to the State. The prestigious Musée d’Orsay agrees to accept several valuable pieces for its collection. After this generous act, the remaining possessions are auctioned off, and the house is put on the market. Before the new owners take possession, Frédéric’s daughter Sylvie decides to host a final party, inviting all her school friends for one last joyous celebration in the now bustling home. This gathering fills the space with laughter and light, reminiscent of better times. As the festivities come to a close, the loyal housekeeper pays her respects by placing fresh flowers on Hélène’s grave, a poignant reminder of the love and legacy left behind.
Timeline
Track the key events of Summer Hours (2009) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Hélène's 75th Birthday Celebration
On a warm summer day, Hélène Berthier celebrates her 75th birthday at her picturesque countryside home. Surrounded by her three children, partners, and grandchildren, the gathering reflects Hélène's hopes for a unified family legacy regarding her cherished home.
Hélène's Passing
Shortly after the celebration, tragedy strikes as Hélène unexpectedly passes away. Her death leaves her three heirs, Frédéric, Adrienne, and Jérémie, grappling with the loss and differing opinions about their family's future.
Frédéric's Desire for Preservation
Frédéric, the eldest sibling residing in Paris, wishes to preserve their mother's home as a gathering place for future family events. His desire is rooted in the memories and traditions that the house represents for their family.
Adrienne's and Jérémie's Contrasting Views
Adrienne, who is in a relationship with an American in New York City, and Jérémie, settled in China, have differing wishes regarding the estate. They prefer to keep few sentimental items while seeking to cash in on the rest, highlighting the family divide.
Estate Without a Will
Due to Hélène not leaving behind a will, the heirs face significant tax implications. This leads to complications in managing her estate and the family's intentions regarding their legacy and property.
Lawyer's Proposal
To alleviate the financial burdens of the estate, the family's lawyer suggests donating some artifacts to the State. This pragmatic advice opens discussions about preserving family heritage while managing the estate's value.
Donation to Musée d'Orsay
The prestigious Musée d'Orsay agrees to accept several valuable pieces from the family collection. This generous act not only helps with tax implications but also ensures that Hélène's uncle Paul Berthier's work is preserved in a respected institution.
Auctioning Remaining Possessions
After the donation, the remaining possessions in the home are auctioned off. This process is bittersweet, marking the end of an era while providing some financial relief to the heirs.
Selling the Family Home
Following the auction, the cherished family home is put on the market. The decision to sell signifies a deep emotional transition for the heirs as they part with the place filled with memories of their mother.
Sylvie's Final Party
Frédéric's daughter, Sylvie, decides to host a final party in their now bustling family home. Inviting her school friends for one last joyous celebration, the gathering fills the house with laughter, echoing memories of happier times.
Housekeeper's Tribute
As the festivities draw to a close, the loyal housekeeper pays her respects to Hélène by placing fresh flowers on her grave. This poignant act symbolizes the enduring love and legacy that Hélène leaves behind.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Summer Hours (2009) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Hélène Berthier
Hélène is a widowed matriarch deeply connected to her family's past and treasures. Her character embodies warmth and nostalgia, eagerly wishing to maintain harmony among her children. Her sudden death catalyzes the family's confrontation with their differing values and desires related to her estate.
Frédéric
Frédéric is the eldest son who values tradition and wishes to preserve the family home as a gathering place for future generations. Living in Paris, he feels a strong sense of responsibility towards his family legacy, which puts him at odds with his siblings. His character depicts the struggle between familial loyalty and personal ambitions.
Adrienne
Adrienne, living in New York City, embraces modernity and challenges the conventional notions of family inheritance. Her desire to minimize their inherited possessions represents a desire for freedom and change. She stands in contrast to Frédéric, embodying a more pragmatic approach to their legacy.
Jérémie
Settled in China, Jérémie aligns with Adrienne's views on the practicality of their situation. His character highlights the diverse experiences of the siblings as they navigate their grief and differing perspectives on family obligations. He adds complexity to the sibling dynamics with his global outlook.
Sylvie
Sylvie, Frédéric's daughter, represents youthful exuberance and nostalgia as she seeks to create one last joyful gathering in her grandmother's home. Her character captures the essence of family unity and the importance of memories in processing their loss.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Summer Hours (2009), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events unfold during the present day, featuring contemporary themes of family dynamics and estate management. The sudden death of Hélène sets off a conflict regarding the future of the family home and their inheritance amidst current societal expectations.
Location
countryside home, Paris, New York City, China, Musée d'Orsay
The story takes place primarily in a charming countryside home where Hélène Berthier celebrates her 75th birthday. This picturesque location, rich with family history and treasured artifacts, becomes a focal point for the family's legacy discussions. Other key locations include Paris, where the eldest son Frédéric resides, and the bustling cities of New York and China where his siblings live.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Summer Hours (2009). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Inheritance
The movie examines the complexities of inheritance and family legacies, highlighting how differing perspectives on the past can lead to conflict. Hélène's death leaves her children facing the challenge of managing her estate, revealing their individual desires and responsibilities. This theme underscores the emotional weight of family history and the burden of decisions that affect future generations.
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Grief
Grief permeates the narrative as the family navigates the loss of Hélène and the memories tied to her. Her absence serves as a catalyst for reflection on familial bonds and the remnants of love within their home. The contrast between joyous celebrations and the subsequent mourning illustrates the duality of life.
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Home
The theme of home serves as a backdrop for the family's unity and conflict. Initially a cherished gathering place, Hélène's home symbolizes both nostalgia and the inevitable changes that come with loss. The struggle to preserve this space amidst differing opinions highlights the emotional significance of home in connecting family.
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