The Kings of Summer Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three teens build a house in the woods to escape their parents, only to discover that surviving in the wilderness is easier than navigating a love triangle and their own teenage angst.

🍿 The Kings of Summer: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Escaping Suburbia

Joe Toy, frustrated with his overbearing father, Frank, declares his independence. He convinces his best friend, Patrick, equally stifled by his parents, to join him in building a house in the woods. An eccentric kid named Biaggio inexplicably joins them. They envision a life free from parental control and societal expectations.

Building a New Life

The trio constructs a surprisingly elaborate house, scavenging materials and learning to live off the land. They experience a sense of freedom and self-sufficiency, initially reveling in their newfound independence. The boys face the challenges of survival, including hunting for food (with limited success) and maintaining their makeshift home.

Cracks in the Kingdom

Their idyllic existence begins to unravel when Kelly, a girl Joe has a crush on, visits their woodland home. A love triangle develops as Kelly becomes attracted to Patrick, causing friction and jealousy. The boys’ friendship is tested as their individual desires clash with their shared dream.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe Toy (Nick Robinson): A frustrated teenager who leads the charge to escape his father’s control by building a house in the woods.
• Patrick Keenan (Gabriel Basso): Joe’s best friend, who joins the adventure seeking independence from his overprotective parents.
• Biaggio (Moises Arias): An enigmatic and quirky friend who accompanies Joe and Patrick on their summer escapade.
• Frank Toy (Nick Offerman): Joe’s widowed father, whose attempts to manage his son’s life lead to conflict and Joe’s rebellion.
• Kelly (Erin Moriarty): A girl who becomes the object of affection and inadvertently disrupts the dynamic of the boys’ friendship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joe: “This land… is ours. We make the rules!” – Joe declares their independence and self-governance upon finding their chosen land in the woods.
• Biaggio: “I said I don’t know how to cry.” – Biaggio says this when trying to express his feelings, highlighting his quirky and unusual nature.
• Frank: “Were you gonna invite us to your woodland wedding?” – Frank says this sarcastically to Joe when he discovers the house in the woods, showing his dry sense of humor.
• Patrick’s Mom: “He needs to learn how to be a man! … By letting us do everything for him.” – Patrick’s mom states this with a certain level of overprotectiveness for her child’s needs.
• Joe: “Why live when you can rule?” – Joe says this as the underlying theme and tag line, summarizing their desire for freedom and independence.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1 million
• Domestic Gross: $1.3 million
• Worldwide Gross: $1.5 million

💥 The Kings of Summer Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored ‘The Kings of Summer’! It reminded me of those carefree summer days when anything felt possible. The way the movie captured the awkwardness and excitement of being a teenager was spot-on. I especially loved Biaggio’s character – he was so weird and hilarious! The scene where they’re building the house and just goofing around made me feel nostalgic for my own crazy teenage adventures. It’s a film that’s both funny and heartwarming, and it’s definitely one I’ll be watching again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers who appreciate indie films with quirky humor”
  • “Those interested in stories about friendship and family dynamics”
  • “Audiences who enjoy movies with nostalgic themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Teenage rebellion and mild language”
  • “Brief depictions of underage drinking”
  • “Some thematic elements involving familial conflict”
  • “Depiction of animal death (hunting rabbit)”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “A charming and quirky coming-of-age story with stellar performances, ‘The Kings of Summer’ captures the essence of teenage rebellion and the awkwardness of first love. Its whimsical style and heartfelt moments resonate long after the credits roll.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘The Kings of Summer’ offers a refreshing take on the familiar coming-of-age narrative. With its witty dialogue and relatable characters, the film strikes a perfect balance between humor and genuine emotion.
• Variety: “Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film in ‘The Kings of Summer.’ The strong performances from the young cast and the quirky humor make it a standout in the crowded indie landscape.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the quirky humor and the nostalgic feel.: The unique characters and their awkward interactions were a major highlight for many viewers.

Moises Arias’s portrayal of Biaggio was praised for its comedic brilliance.: Audience members found Biaggio’s character to be both hilarious and endearing, stealing many scenes.

Overall Consensus: A well-received coming-of-age film praised for its humor, heartfelt moments, and strong performances, particularly Moises Arias as Biaggio.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jordan Vogt-Roberts’ feature directorial debut.”
• “Many scenes were improvised by the young actors, adding to the natural feel of the film.”
• “The film was initially titled ‘Toy’s House’ before being changed to ‘The Kings of Summer’.”
• “Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally, who play Joe’s father and Patrick’s mother respectively, are married in real life.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Kings of Summer?

The Kings of Summer is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can also be purchased online or at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Kings of Summer, you might like these similar films:

• Stand by Me (1986): Classic coming-of-age story about friendship and adventure during a pivotal summer.
• Moonrise Kingdom (2012): Quirky and stylized film about young love and running away to create their own world.
• Mud (2012): Features a coming-of-age story with an adventurous spirit.
• Captain Fantastic (2016): A family living off the grid faces the challenges of re-integrating into mainstream society.
• The Way, Way Back (2013): Coming-of-age story set during a summer vacation, dealing with family issues and personal growth.

🛒 The Kings of Summer Related Products

• The Kings of Summer [Blu-ray]: Own the film in high-definition with exclusive bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews. A must-have for collectors and fans of the movie.
• Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series [DVD]: Enjoy Nick Offerman’s iconic Ron Swanson role from Parks and Recreation. His performance resonates with his portrayal of the grumpy father in The Kings of Summer.
• Stand By Me [Blu-ray]: A timeless coming-of-age classic that shares similar themes of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery with ‘The Kings of Summer’. A great addition to any film collection.
• The Kings of Summer – Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official movie poster. Perfect for decorating your room and showing your love for the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Cowboy Song” – performed by Thin Lizzy
• “We Found Love” – performed by Rihanna
• “Ambling Alp” – performed by Yeasayer

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A CAPRICORN?! #Shorts

If you’re curious about the astrological significance in the movie, check out this captivating short video that explores the connection between a character’s birthdate and their personality traits. It’s a fun and insightful watch!

Why There Is No ‘E’ Grade 🤔 (EXPLAINED)

Ever wondered why you never see an ‘E’ grade in movies? This video delves into the fascinating reasons behind this industry practice. It’s an interesting tidbit that adds a touch of trivia to your movie knowledge!

Book of Genesis Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1)

Enhance your understanding of the movie’s biblical roots with this captivating video that breaks down the Book of Genesis. It’s a great companion piece that provides valuable insights into the film’s themes and symbolism.

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