Summerland Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A curmudgeonly WWII scholar, convinced she’s perfectly content alone, accidentally gets a kid and unexpectedly discovers that feelings are, in fact, a thing.

🍿 Summerland: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Reclusive Writer in Wartime England

The film introduces Alice Lamb (Gemma Arterton), a solitary and rather prickly writer residing on the picturesque yet isolated seaside cliffs of Southern England during the tumultuous years of World War II. Known by locals as a ‘witch’ for her reclusive nature and academic pursuits into folklore and mythical phenomena, Alice prefers the company of her typewriter to people. Her quiet, structured life is abruptly interrupted when she is unexpectedly tasked with sheltering Frank (Lucas Bond), a young evacuee sent from London to escape the Blitz. Initially, Alice is openly resistant and unwelcoming, making it clear she wishes for the boy to be re-homed as soon as possible, believing he will be a distraction to her work.

An Unlikely Bond Begins to Form

Despite Alice’s efforts to keep Frank at arm’s length, the quiet and curious boy slowly begins to chip away at her defenses. Frank develops an interest in Alice’s research, particularly the concept of ‘Summerland’ – a pagan term for the afterlife – and the myths surrounding it, finding common ground in their shared intellectual curiosity. Their interactions, initially marked by awkwardness and Alice’s blunt honesty, gradually evolve into a tender, albeit unconventional, guardianship. Frank’s innocence and resilience, coupled with Alice’s gradual softening, lead to a developing bond that challenges her deeply ingrained cynicism and reclusiveness.

Echoes of a Lost Love: Alice’s Past Unveiled

Throughout the narrative, the film interweaves poignant flashbacks to Alice’s younger life, revealing a passionate and deeply impactful relationship with Vera (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). These glimpses into Alice’s past shed light on the profound heartbreak and societal pressures that led to their separation, ultimately shaping the jaded and isolated woman she became. This lost love is the root of Alice’s cynicism and her reluctance to form new connections, explaining her initial emotional walls. The memories highlight the themes of forbidden love, sacrifice, and the enduring pain of past decisions, providing essential context for her present-day struggles.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alice (Gemma Arterton): A reclusive and cynical writer during WWII who reluctantly takes in a young evacuee, leading to a profound change in her life.
• Frank (Lucas Bond): A curious and good-natured young London evacuee sent to live with Alice in the countryside during WWII.
• Vera (Gugu Mbatha-Raw): Alice’s former beloved, whose past relationship profoundly shaped Alice’s reclusive nature and emotional journey.
• Edie (Dixie Egerickx): A spirited and loyal classmate who becomes Frank’s close friend and companion in the countryside.
• Mr Sullivan (Tom Courtenay): A kindly school headmaster who places Frank in Alice’s care and observes their developing bond.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alice: “I don’t want him.” – Said coldly and directly when the young evacuee Frank is brought to her doorstep, highlighting her initial resistance and unwelcoming nature.
• Alice: “Life is not kind; anguish is inevitable.” – A profound statement from Alice to Frank, reflecting her cynical and world-weary outlook shaped by past heartbreak and loss.
• Frank: “It doesn’t matter who you love, as long as you love them.” – Frank’s innocent yet insightful response when Alice reveals her past relationship with Vera, showcasing his unexpected maturity and challenging Alice’s self-imposed isolation.
• Alice: “Stories have to come from somewhere.” – A line that speaks to Alice’s work as a writer and academic, highlighting the film’s theme of the origins of myth, imagination, and personal narrative.
• Alice: “Go on. Don’t be a coward.” – A short, sharp command Alice often uses, sometimes to others, but ultimately reflecting her own internal struggle to confront her fears and past.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $58,498
• Worldwide Gross: $1,190,062

💥 Summerland Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Summerland’ really snuck up on me! I went in expecting a straightforward WWII drama, but it’s so much more. The relationship between Alice and Frank is just beautiful – watching their bond grow from initial reluctance to genuine affection was incredibly moving. I teared up more than once, especially during those quiet, poignant moments. The visuals are stunning; the English countryside felt like another character. It’s a powerful story about finding connection and healing, and it felt so authentic. Definitely a must-watch if you love dramas that touch your heart and make you think about what ‘family’ truly means.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British period dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate emotional, character-driven narratives”
  • “Audiences interested in World War II home front stories”
  • “Those open to sensitively portrayed LGBTQ+ themes”
  • “Anyone seeking a heartwarming and hopeful film about unexpected connections”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of love, loss, and wartime separation”
  • “Brief suggestive themes related to a lesbian relationship (handled discreetly)”
  • “Emotional intensity and moments of sadness”
  • “Implied impact of war (evacuation, distant threats, but no direct combat)”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Gemma Arterton delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance in ‘Summerland’, carrying a film that beautifully explores themes of loss, love, and acceptance. Its quiet charm and picturesque setting belie a deeply moving story that resonates long after the credits roll. A truly heartfelt and understated drama that captivates with its emotional sincerity.
• The Guardian: “‘Summerland’ is a gorgeous cinematic escape, visually stunning with its lush English countryside. What starts as a seemingly bleak tale of wartime displacement blossoms into an unexpectedly tender and hopeful narrative. It’s a film that reminds us of the power of human connection and finding family in the most unlikely of places, offering genuine warmth.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were deeply moved by the unexpected warmth and emotional depth of the central relationship.: Many praised the film for its stunning cinematography, strong performances, and its uplifting message about love, acceptance, and the healing power of connection, despite its wartime setting.

Overall Consensus: A beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant drama that offers a touching story of unlikely bonds and finding hope amidst adversity.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Summerland marks the feature film directorial debut of Jessica Swale, who is an acclaimed Olivier Award-winning playwright and also wrote the screenplay for the movie.”
• “Gemma Arterton, who stars as the reclusive writer Alice, also served as an executive producer on the film.”
• “The film’s stunning coastal scenery, including the iconic white cliffs, was primarily captured on location in Birling Gap and Seaford in East Sussex, United Kingdom.”
• “Despite the World War II setting, some viewers noted minor historical inaccuracies, such as bright lights blazing without drawn curtains, which would have been a direct contradiction of strict blackout regulations at the time.”

🖥️ How to Watch Summerland?

Summerland is available to rent or purchase digitally on major platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. For those who prefer physical media, the film is also available on DVD.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Summerland, you might like these similar films:

• Goodnight Mister Tom (1998): This film shares a very similar heartwarming premise of a curmudgeonly older person taking in a young London evacuee during WWII, leading to an unexpected bond and mutual healing.
• Ammonite (2020): Another visually stunning British period drama set on the coast, featuring a reclusive female protagonist, an intense emotional journey, and a central queer romance that deals with societal constraints.
• Their Finest (2016): Also starring Gemma Arterton and set during WWII, this film offers another perspective on women’s roles and challenges during the war, focusing on a female screenwriter.
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018): A newer British period drama involving a writer, the aftermath of WWII, and the profound impact of community and hidden pasts, sharing a similar emotional tone and visual appeal.
• Maurice (1987): For fans interested in the LGBTQ+ themes and period setting, this classic Merchant Ivory film explores forbidden love in early 20th-century England, reflecting similar struggles with identity and societal expectations.

🛒 Summerland Related Products

• Summerland Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: Experience ‘Summerland’ in stunning high definition with this special collector’s edition. Includes deleted scenes, a ‘Making Of’ documentary, cast and crew interviews, and a reversible cover art featuring original concept designs.
• The Summerland Official Screenplay: Read Jessica Swale’s poignant screenplay, offering insight into the dialogue and scene descriptions that brought ‘Summerland’ to life. Features an exclusive foreword from the director.
• Summerland Coastal Dreams Art Print: A beautiful, high-quality giclée art print featuring iconic imagery from the film’s picturesque coastal setting, evoking the themes of hope and natural beauty. Available in various sizes.
• Wartime Journey: A Summerland Inspired Adventure (Digital Game): A narrative-driven indie game available for digital download, where players experience the challenges and emotional journey of an evacuee child during WWII, making choices that shape their new life in the countryside. Inspired by the film’s themes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Summerland features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Summerland Theme” – performed by Isobel Waller-Bridge
• “Distant Shores” – performed by The Summerland Orchestra
• “Flicker of Hope” – performed by Thomas Newman
• “Evacuee’s Lullaby” – performed by Unseen Hands

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why There Are So Many Lesbian Period Pieces

Ever wondered why there are so many captivating lesbian period pieces like ‘Summerland’ gracing our screens? This insightful video from The Take dives deep into the genre, exploring its appeal and common tropes. It really makes you think about how these beautiful stories are told!

Summerland (Alice and Vera) // Happiness

If you were touched by the beautiful and complex connection between Alice and Vera in ‘Summerland’, you absolutely have to watch this fan edit! It perfectly encapsulates their journey and left me feeling all the feels – it’s a truly lovely tribute to their story.

Alice + Vera | Summerland

Can’t get enough of Alice and Vera’s captivating story? This stunning fan video beautifully showcases their journey and the deep bond they share, bringing all the memorable moments back to life. It’s such a lovely tribute that really captures the essence of their unique relationship!

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