Penned by one of the writers from The Bill, and directed by a regular of Spooks, Summer is exactly the time of film you'd think it wouldn't be, given the background of the core crew. An often tragic coming-of-age story, it unconventionally explores the relationship of lifelong friends Daz (Evets), and Shaun (Carlyle), as they deal with the news that Daz has only weeks left to live. Through flashbacks, we're privy to Shaun's difficult childhood, as his crippling learning difficulties were misdiagnosed by a poor school system, forcing him to lash out and often end up in trouble. Buoyed by his friendship with Daz and the support of his girlfriend Katy, however, he can often escape his problems - even if they're never too far away. While a little disconcerting at first, Summer's eccentric narrative soon settles, and it simply becomes a real human story, told with an inviting visual elegance. The camera often beautifully catches the glare of the sun, while the flashbacks are subtly drenched in warm palettes whenever Shaun is with Katy. The present day scenes are suitably dark, as Shaun struggles to cope with the news that his friend is dying, and dreams of the summer when his only worries were his own. Anchored by a truly stunning performance from Robert Carlyle, this is a strangely life-affirming film that has a lot to say about regret, friendship and even isolation. It's often so ponderous there's a chance you may find yourself scanning the room for a noose; but ultimately what unfolds is a story of hope. And just like any realistic exploration of personal hardship within the working class, it takes a while to get there. Worth watching for a brilliant turn from Carlyle, this is not just a promising debut by writer Hugh Ellis, but a wonderful film in its own right.
