Summer of 85 2021
Directed by
François Ozon
Made by
Music Box Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Summer of 85 (2021). 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.
In the summer of 1985 in the picturesque region of Normandy, a poignant tale unfolds as we meet Alexis (often referred to as Alex), a 16-year-old captivated by the concept of death and its mysteries. His life takes a fateful turn when he ventures out to sea, seemingly unaware that a forthcoming thunderstorm will dramatically alter his course. As the tempest brews, Alex’s boat capsizes; however, he is miraculously saved by David, an 18-year-old who becomes his unexpected savior and companion. From that moment on, the two forge an inseparable bond, leading Alex to lend a hand at David’s family shop, where they share laughter, secrets, and emotions that blossom into a clandestine relationship.
As their connection deepens, tension arises when David, claiming to feel an intense boredom, embarks on an affair with Kate, a friend of Alexis. The betrayal ignites a fierce anger within Alexis, prompting a heated confrontation between the two. The conflict escalates into a physical altercation when Alex, in a moment of fury, hurls a rock at David. In a twist of fate, David manages to evade the projectile, but the tension has dire consequences as Alexis succumbs to his rage, resulting in chaos at the shop and a frantic exit.
The narrative takes an even darker turn when David tragically dies in a motorcycle crash while chasing after Alexis, who is left in the throes of guilt and despair. In an attempt to honor the pact they once made—to dance upon the grave of the first to pass away—Alexis finds himself in a precarious position, leading to his arrest during this somber act. Fortunately for him, the judge shows mercy, sentencing Alex to 140 hours of community service and strongly recommending that he consult a psychiatrist to grapple with his grief.
The film beautifully intertwines the sweet yet tumultuous memories of the boys’ relationship prior to David’s untimely death with the profound aftermath of the tragedy. As they navigate this emotional labyrinth, Alexis discovers solace in documenting his experiences, urged on by his literature teacher. This writing not only serves as a therapeutic outlet for his anguish but also allows him to reflect deeply on the love and loss that have shaped his young life.
In essence, the story is a haunting yet tender exploration of love, loss, and the paths to healing, as seen through the eyes of a young man grappling with the complexities of his emotions amidst profound grief.
Timeline
Track the key events of Summer of 85 (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Summer of 1985
The story unfolds in the summer of 1985 in Normandy. A reflective backdrop sets the stage for Alexis's tumultuous journey, highlighting his fascination with death.
Boat Capsizing Incident
While at sea, Alexis's boat is caught in a sudden thunderstorm and capsizes. This harrowing experience leads to his rescue by David, an eighteen-year-old who becomes a pivotal figure in his life.
Bonding with David
Following the rescue, Alexis and David develop a strong bond, sharing their thoughts and feelings freely. These intimate moments lay the foundation for their complex relationship.
Secret Relationship
As their friendship deepens, Alexis and David begin a secret romantic relationship. Their connection brings both joy and challenges, as they navigate their feelings away from prying eyes.
David's Affair
Complicating their relationship, David expresses boredom and starts an affair with Alexis's friend, Kate. This betrayal shatters Alexis's trust and leads to significant emotional turmoil.
Confrontation and Fight
In a fit of anger, Alexis confronts David about the affair, leading to a heated argument. The confrontation escalates into a physical fight, showcasing the emotional intensity of their relationship.
Destruction at the Shop
In a moment of rage, Alexis throws a rock at David, narrowly missing him. The incident results in Alexis wreaking havoc in David's family shop, a dramatic physical expression of his emotional pain.
Tragic Motorcycle Crash
After the confrontation, David chases after Alexis but tragically dies in a motorcycle accident. This shocking turn of events leaves Alexis grappling with guilt and despair over their unresolved conflict.
Pact to Dance on a Grave
Devastated by David's death, Alexis recalls a pact they made to dance on the grave of the one who dies first. He feels compelled to honor this promise, despite the sorrow it brings.
Arrest for Grave Incident
While attempting to carry out the pact, Alexis is arrested at the grave site. The act symbolizes his conflicted feelings and the lengths he's willing to go to honor David's memory.
Trial and Sentencing
During his trial, the judge shows understanding of Alexis's grief and emotional turmoil. As a result, he only receives community service and a recommendation for psychiatric evaluation, providing a glimmer of hope.
Writing for Healing
Following the trial, Alexis begins writing about his experiences as a means of healing. His literature teacher encourages this process, allowing Alexis to confront his grief and guilt creatively.
Reflections on Their Relationship
As he writes, Alexis revisits the moments he shared with David, analyzing their friendship and love. This reflective journey serves as a cathartic release and a means for Alexis to understand his feelings.
Final Acceptance
Ultimately, Alexis comes to terms with David's death through his writing and the experience of his trial. This acceptance marks a poignant turning point in his life, paving the way for future healing.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Summer of 85 (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Alexis Robin (Félix Lefebvre)
Alexis is a 16-year-old boy deeply fascinated by existential themes, particularly death. His character embodies the struggles of youth as he falls in love with David while grappling with his emotions and insecurities. After facing betrayal and immense grief, Alexis evolves and begins to confront his feelings through writing, revealing his growth and resilience.
David Gorman (Benjamin Voisin)
David is an adventurous 18-year-old who captures Alexis's heart and embodies the freedom of adolescence. Charismatic yet troubled, his character represents the complexities of young love, as he grapples with boredom, infidelity, and ultimately, mortality. David's tragic end propels the narrative forward, leaving a lasting impact on Alexis's life.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Summer of 85 (2021), 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
1985
The summer of 1985 was marked by a sense of freedom and exploration among the youth, as the world was experiencing changes in social norms and culture. This period saw the burgeoning influence of pop music, fashion, and a more open conversation about sexuality and relationships. It was a time when teenagers began to assert their identity, navigating love and friendship amidst the increasing complexities of growing up.
Location
Normandy
Normandy is a picturesque region in northern France, known for its stunning coastlines and historical significance. It features charming villages, beautiful beaches, and a rich tapestry of culture and history, making it a popular destination for tourists. The region is particularly noted for its connections to World War II and its delicious culinary offerings, including Camembert cheese and cider.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Summer of 85 (2021). 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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Love & Loss
The movie delves into the themes of love and loss, portraying the intensity of young love and the heartache that accompanies betrayal and death. Alexis and David's relationship highlights the fleeting nature of life, underscoring how quickly joy can turn to sorrow. As Alexis grapples with his grief, the film explores the impact of losing someone deeply cherished and the process of navigating that pain.
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Coming of Age
Summer of 85 captures the tumultuous journey of adolescence, depicting Alexis's struggle with identity and emotional turmoil. As he navigates his feelings for David, the film illustrates the complexities of teenage relationships and the harsh realities of growing up. Through the narrative, viewers witness how formative experiences shape one's understanding of love, friendship, and personal growth.
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