Synopsis
Darker Shades of Summer is a 2017 individualistic romantic drama orchestrated by Director Jason Sutton. The film examines various elements of desire and comes to terms with staying true to one’s self while also dealing with internal and external problems. The title of the film suggests a depiction of something more passionate with a lot of drama. However, the film is more about a human touch, vulnerability, and what comes about as a result of the decisions made during periods of ambiguity.
The central character named Zach, is a young man who has been battling with a sense of direction for quite some time. He feels trapped by the shackles of self imposed limitations as he attempts to find himself. In order to escape the toll, Zach decides to venture towards a summer coastal retreat. He tries to utilize the time by cloud busting and focusing away from the city.
It is on this retreat that he meets two old gentlemen, Jerry and Richard, who at a glance look momentarily different from each other. However, superficially, they both possess a certain type of finesse and a level of sophistication that instantly triggers Zach’s fascination. Richard, on the other hand, is a passionate and vigorous individual offering Zach a parallel level of engagement. Both pertain to Zach as they form a network relation that allows for sharing dialogues, mateship, and also a form of enlightenment.
As each day goes by, Zach starts to think introspectively about his life, his inner self and his wishes. The time he spends with Richard and Jerry make him think about his goals in life as well as think about what he wants to become. The retreat doesn’t help Zach attain clarity, in fact he feels more confused and nostalgic with adult relationships which he aspires more than anything else.
The tone of the movie is captured well by the title of the movie and the phrase ‘Darker Shades of Summer’. What most people don’t understand, is that even though summer is correlated with happiness, heat, and bright days, there are always hidden feelings and emotions underneath the inner joy that summer brings, which the movie touches upon. The movie illustrates how inner conflicts can surface even in the warm and sunny days of summer, introducing doubt and hidden feelings that unsettle the mind.
Cast & Characters
The movie’s cast is small but has a strong impact, which helps the storyline to revolve around the core aspects of the characters.
Zach is played by Jason Zink
As a sensitive actor, Zink brings emotion to the performance of Zach, which in turn strengthens the character even more with the direction he is taking. The performance of Zink is filled with a sense of inner curiosity and innocence, which Zach undergoes during the phase his personal life.
To Beautify
Dan Lovell as Jerry
During the summer, Jerry becomes a rather nostalgic and somewhat paternal figure in the life of Zach. Lovell’s portrayal of the character is quite complex as he showcases warmth in his voice while explaining how Jerry is a beacon of light in traversing the Jacob’s complex path of life.
Paul Donovan as Richard
Richard is a bit more self-assured and sophisticated compared to Jerry. Donovan plays him with a bit more intensity and magnetism which offers Zach a new, more frontal, and assertive attitude towards life.
These three actors capture the emotional essence of the film. They are the main characters in the film, carrying with them the emotional baggage of the story which is enhanced by the dialogue as well as the, at times, restrained performances which propels the story towards the climax.
Direction and Cinematic Technique
Sutton seems to prefer an introspective and intimate approach to the art of film making, which is unusual in this case. The story takes place in more sheltered, calm areas of nature, such as on the coast, which, while serene, contrast the characters and the emotional trauma which is unfolding inside them.
The focus in the figure is more on the light and summer tones while still capturing the quiet tension which excuse with the members of the character Seth. The pauses and the more caressed shots are more geared towards the audience rather than the characters in the story, allowing them to construct what may be happening instead of quickly pushing towards the story.
The musical score remains minimalistic, often employing gentle lofters and light rhymes to mirror the thoughtful reflections of the film. The silence between characters is equally valuable and is utilized the most, crafting portions of the film where emotion, feeling, and silence become as valuable as spoken dialogue.
In general, the film’s visuals and style amplify the meditative tone. It is less a drama in the conventional sense, more a character study, allowing the audience to dip into the feelings of the intimate ensemble.
Themes
Darker Shades of Summer explores themes that, while connected to the characters and story, are ageless and almost universally relatable.
Self-Discovery
At its most fundamental, the film is about Zach and his pursuit of understanding himself. He is removed from his surrounding environment and is put in a situation where contemplation is forced upon himself—who he is, what principles he stands for, and what he truly wants in life.
Mentorship and Influence
The film explores Zach’s life through two opposing figures, Jerry and Richard, his influences and mentors. One is soft and thoughtful, the other powerful and dominating. It examines how a mentor, friend, or even a parent influences one’s view and choices.
Choices and Consequences
Every decision Zach chooses to make or decides against making, like the decision to bend to the wishes of Jerry and Richard, dictates the direction of the journey. This illustrates the idea that the ability to make the right choice, even for the smallest of issues in life, is important for, and impacts, one’s personal growth.
The Complexity of Relationships
The relationships in the film are presented in a manner that is not simplistic or romanticized. Rather, they are depicted as complex, incorporating elements of assistance, support, and even some level of aggression.
Seasons as Metaphor
The quality of the summer setting symbolizes a transformational period of plenty, ardor, and dominion. However, the ‘darker shades’ indicate the need to reconcile contradictory notions of, even about oneself, that under the revelry and the radiance of light, peaks of starkness and doubt can coexist.
IMDb Rating and Critical Reception
The film Darker Shades of Summer is rated 3.2/10 on IMDb, indicating that, like the majority, critics did not think very highly of the film. A number of reviewers commented that the film lacked in pacing and had a very ‘thin’ storyline, arguing that the inward nature of the film would be better suited to an audience that is not expecting a conventional dramatic storyline.
Nonetheless, some viewers admired the attempt to make the film minimalist and the ambition to tackle the theme of identity and influence. This is, more than anything else, true of independent film lovers who are audience to character-driven narratives and appreciate the use of nuance and textural actions.
Critics typically commented that the film might be lacking in polish. However, it still serves the purpose of adding to the tradition of independent cinema which favors personal topics and unconventional storylines.
Conclusion
Darker Shades of Summer (2017) is an indie film that deals with self-discovery, and the intricacies of self-identity. Being cast in a respectful boldness, the film is complimented with an intimate ambience which also allows it to function less as a drama, but rather as a reflective character study.
As an audience, we use Zach’s summer journey to appreciate the importance of self awareness and the way in which others impact our journeys. The figures of Jerry and Richard really show the paradox of human connection, illustrating how people can either help you blossom or stifle your growth.
The film, although receiving mixed remarks, is still successful in depicting personal quarrels on the pedagogical level of summer. For those with an appreciation of narratives that take time to develop, Darker Shades of Summer is a good reminder that even in the summer, a person is forced to tackle complicated subjects head on.
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