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That Special Summer

Name: That Special Summer
Director: Nanna Huolman
Released: 2007
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2007

Director

Nanna Huolman

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

That Special Summer is a character-driven coming-of-age story centered around a young girl's psychological and sexual growth. By focusing on her autonomy and internal perspective, the film avoids traditional coming-of-age clichés. The film offers a meaningful exploration of adolescent identity and the transition from childhood to adolescence. Using the specific historical and geographical context of the 1980s, it grounds its themes of rebellion and autonomy. However, the film remains confined to a specific Nordic demographic and era. While it delves into identity through a personal lens, it lacks broader representation of diverse racial or disability-related experiences.

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Category Breakdown

Does That Special Summer have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on the protagonist's developing sexuality and her first romantic interest. This allows for a detailed look at identity beyond typical milestones.

How does That Special Summer portray gender?

Good

The story emphasizes a young female protagonist's emotional independence. Her internal journey and resistance to her mother's influence propel the narrative.

How racially and ethnically diverse is That Special Summer?

Fair

The setting mirrors the demographics of the 1984 Nordic region. The protagonist's experience as an outsider symbolizes navigating unfamiliar territory.

How does That Special Summer represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative examines the conflict between personal rebellion and family traditions. It values individual truth over strict adherence to traditional norms.

Does That Special Summer include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Focuses on a young female protagonist's emotional autonomy and control over her story.
Provides a nuanced exploration of sexual awakening and identity.
Examines the tension between individual rebellion and societal norms.

Limited or Absent

Does not explicitly depict racial or ethnic diversity beyond the Nordic setting.
Does not show physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The gender of the romantic interest is unspecified, limiting LGBTQ+ critique.

Official Synopsis

The year is 1984. It's summer, and the rebellious 12-year-old girl Kid wants to stay in Gothenburg, but her mother has other plans. Kid discovers that summer vacation in Finland isn't as bad as first feared. In a few hot weeks she discovers her dawning sexuality, and experience her first crush.

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