Summertime

Released Jul 22, 2016

1h 45m

Romance

Drama

LGBTQ+

List

92%

59 Reviews

Tomatometer

73%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1971, Carole and Delphine meet and fall in love. When Carole follows Delphine back to her family farm, the two find lesbianism and feminism are not as easy in the countryside.

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Critics Consensus

Summertime (La Belle Saison) presents a well-acted, beautifully framed period romance that offers a refreshing perspective on its era in the bargain.

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Kate Muir

Times (UK)

Summertime is a gorgeously shot film by the French director Catherine Corsini that swoons over a lesbian love affair between Ccile de France and Izia Higelin.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 10, 2016

Full Review

David Stratton

The Australian

The film is distinguished by magnificent photography by Jeanne Lapoirie and by the insightful screenplay by the director and Laurette Polmanss. It's enjoying a very limited cinema release, but is well worth checking out.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 16, 2016

Full Review

Yonca Talu

Film Comment Magazine

The juxtaposition of pulsating Paris with the static and reactionary countryside yields a compelling metaphor for Delphine's moral conundrum...What's frustrating about Summertime is its sometimes overly didactic tone.

Sep 6, 2016

Full Review

Allie Esslinger

Curve

What veteran director Catherine Corsini is able to do with the powerhouse performances by [Cécile De France and Izïa Higelin] is to weave the familiar moments of self-discovery into the broader narrative of the early days of the feminist movement.

May 23, 2022

Full Review

Alexander Ryll

Gay Essential

A classic summer-of-love tale where the struggle to come out of the closet are the central themes, Summertime is set in the 70s making the most of its gorgeous cinematography and attentive period detail.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 15, 2019

Full Review

Alexa Dalby

Dog and Wolf

The three women -- Delphine, Carole and Delphine's mother -- represent three very different perspectives on the changing -- or unchanging -- role of women.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 20, 2019

Full Review

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isla s

This is a not entirely gripping film to start with but by the end, I did find it quite engrossing. Its relatively poignant at times, although I imagine some may feel uncomfortable with the female nudity and sex scenes, of which there certainly are some. Its the mix of personality types with the two main characters, Carole and Delphine, that intrigued me. I thought the ending was good - I won't give away any spoilers but towards half way through I felt a little unsure what substance the film had and by the end, I realised that it was a somewhat powerful film and not in a purely smutty sort of a way. I suppose its partly about the differences of opinion held by younger and older generations in the time its set in (the very early 1970s). Also the feminism theme may (or may not) interest people. I would recommend this film, yes.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I can't find anything wrong with this film; the scenery is beautiful, the acting superb. Knocked half a star off because the plot didn't present very many surprising events, but it was certainly enjoyable nonetheless.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Torn between love and duty, Delphine has to make a difficult decision. Stirring score by Gregoire Hetzel and lovely cinematography that makes great use of the golden hour in the countryside. Very good performances by all cast members too.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A wonderful and emotional movie giving rise to introspection and deep concern for all the people portrayed. You cannot help rooting for them......and accepting the paths that all take in the end.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

marya b

It appears nigh impossible for a same sex love story to end happily & credibly.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

More relevant for the social issue than from what it tells and how it does.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

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Catherine Corsini

Director

Cécile De France

Carole

Izïa Higelin

Delphine Benchiessa

Noémie Lvovsky

Monique Benchiessa- la mère de Delphine

Kévin Azaïs

Antoine

Laetitia Dosch

Adeline

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

94%

75%

Carol

TRAILER

for Carol

94%

73%

Rafiki

TRAILER

for Rafiki

95%

79%

Princess Cyd

TRAILER

for Princess Cyd

84%

75%

Disobedience

TRAILER

for Disobedience

30%

69%

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Synopsis

In 1971, Carole and Delphine meet and fall in love. When Carole follows Delphine back to her family farm, the two find lesbianism and feminism are not as easy in the countryside.

Director: Catherine Corsini
Screenwriter: Catherine Corsini, Laurette Polmanss
Distributor: Strand Releasing
Production Co: Chaz Productions, Artémis Productions, France 3 Cinéma
Genre: Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: French (France)
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 22, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 15, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $35.0K
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Dolby
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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