The Summer Book

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The Summer Book

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1h 35m

Drama

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81%

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27 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

At her family's home on a Finnish island, young Sophia explores the natural world with her father and grandmother (Glenn Close). Adapted from Tove Jansson's beloved novel, The Summer Book is a delicate account of growing up and growing old.

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Flora Belle Farr

Austin Chronicle

Directing his fourth feature film, Charlie McDowell (The One I Love) draws a layered performance from young Matthews in her film debut.

Sep 25, 2025

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Lisa Kennedy

New York Times

The Summer Book offers a loving portrait of budding and fading.

Sep 19, 2025

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Nell Minow

RogerEbert.com

It is a haiku of a movie, conveying profound thoughts about time, memory, loss, and nature through a simplified, meditative, cinematic language of exquisite images and gentle music.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 19, 2025

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Gregory Nussen

Screen Rant

Glenn Close is transformative and magnificent in Charlie McDowell's somber seasonal drama.

Rated: 7/10

Sep 25, 2025

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

Reliable talents Close and Lie are solid here, yet feel underutilized because the film never quite digs deep enough. It’s a pleasant drama perhaps best enjoyed by those who haven’t read its inspiration.

Sep 19, 2025

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Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

Glenn Close anchors this deliberately paced yet quietly poignant story of grief and healing with a portrayal layered with wisdom and grace.

Sep 19, 2025

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Susan K

This is a quiet movie. While the story is mostly seen through the eyes of a young girl, I found it more about an old woman facing her mortally and not wanting to give up.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/29/25

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Jeff L

Good summer read if you like napping as you hear the water lapping on the sand. The movie goes nowhere slow. Close , who I love, gets to hobble Around in her Mammy Yocum mask straining to almost die through out. Kid is okay and dad is deadly Boring and makes me wonder if his wife died because of it! Unless you are a Close buff , pass. No scriptwriter prof would green light this flat adventure to ennui . Movie Krank gives cold salty popcorn rating

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/27/25

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Moody C

It’s not for everyone and I believe some will love it while casual movie goers will hate it. Very similar to Downton Abbey where nothing really happens only less talking here and more reflecting into beautiful cinematography. You can do worst for 90 mins since it’s at least a short, therapeutic watch. Just don’t expect the feel good movie of the year!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/23/25

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Charlie McDowell

Director

Glenn Close

Grandmother

Anders Danielsen Lie

Father

Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson

Eriksson

Pekka Strang

Mr. Malander

Sophia Heikkilä

Mrs. Malander

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The Summer Book: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

At her family's home on a Finnish island, young Sophia explores the natural world with her father and grandmother (Glenn Close). Adapted from Tove Jansson's beloved novel, The Summer Book is a delicate account of growing up and growing old.

Director: Charlie McDowell
Producer: Aleksi Bardy, Kevin Loader, Charlie McDowell, Kath Mattock, Alex Orlovsky, Duncan Montgomery, Helen Vinogradov
Screenwriter: Tove Jansson, Robert Jones
Distributor: Music Box Films
Production Co: Helsinki Filmi Oy, Finnish Impact Film Fund, Case Study Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 19, 2025, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $9.2K
Runtime: 1h 35m

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