One Summer Night is a film that really got me thinking about my formative years and how they've shaped who I am. It's something that anybody can relate to - the experience of fearing the future and wanting to so badly cling to what you're familiar with.
Don't let the fact that it is low budget stop you from enjoying the story. In fact, I find the indie film quality to be charming and the film feels more realistic as a result. If you like the Before trilogy, One Summer Night is certain to provide a similar atmosphere.
Conner Keesling and Julia Dent have an undeniable chemistry that sucks you into the story immediately. The raw honesty between their characters is something to be admired. Stories can feel so synthetic and generalized, but you can tell this story finds a way to be so personalized, and has no gripes with addressing the array of emotions that cloud the mind when discussing the past and determining the future.
For a debut film, this is a remarkable feat for Conner Keesling. It's not perfect, but to me the imperfections make it feel unique. I think all filmmakers have issues when it comes to making their first film, and the fact that this group was in their early 20's is incredible. The end product is something to be admired, and you can't deny that the content overshadows any minor technical issues.
This film was made from the heart and it really shows. Don't let the runtime scare you away, because if you immerse yourself in the story, the time doesn't pale in comparison to how special this experience is. The film leaves you flooded with thoughts of your own experiences in relation to the characters, and takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. It may not be the "feel good" flick of the year, but it is real and raw, and leaves you in a state of reflection. Hats off to the cast and crew, I savored every minute.