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Almost Summer

Name: Almost Summer
Director: Martin Davidson
Released: 1978
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

1978

Director

Martin Davidson

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Almost Summer is a social comedy that delves into the tensions within high school hierarchies. It goes beyond typical clichés by focusing on the subversion of female-led authority and the breakdown of social status. The film uses a student election to explore systemic manipulation and personal revenge. Although it doesn't delve deeply into complex social issues, it still offers a moderate look at social friction by emphasizing the disruption of established norms. Overall, the narrative prioritizes the chaotic nature of social maneuvering over traditional communal values, reflecting the cynical social dynamics of its time.

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Category Breakdown

Does Almost Summer have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows traditional 1970s romantic storylines. It centers around a male newcomer, a male lead, and his former girlfriend.

How does Almost Summer portray gender?

Fair

Christine is a key figure representing institutional power. The story emphasizes women's roles by highlighting the male characters' efforts to undermine her authority as student body president.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Almost Summer?

Fair

The film examines outsider status through the newcomer cliché. However, it does not provide detailed racialized character arcs or a non-white majority.

How does Almost Summer represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story presents a cynical view of social structures. It portrays student elections as arenas of manipulation and corruption rather than communal celebration.

Does Almost Summer include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the story.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by placing a female character in a position of institutional power.
Uses the newcomer archetype to explore themes of outsider status and social disruption.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of non-straight identities or queer relationships.
Does not include any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In the last weeks of a Southern California high school year, Bobby DeVito recruits shy newcomer Darryl to run against his popular ex-girlfriend Christine for student body president, turning a simple election into a nasty campaign of revenge and dirty tricks.

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